Birdwatching surged as a hobby during the pandemic, according to the Cornell Ornithology Lab, but it’s a pastime that has often excluded people with different abilities. And data from the World Health Organization indicates that one in every six people globally has a disability, and that rate will only increase as the population ages.
Alexandra Wang, a NYC Audubon guide, is working to make birding a more accessible activity, including making accommodations for those who are visually impaired or have mobility constraints. And her biweekly expeditions at Fort Tryon Park, which is visited by more than 60 bird species throughout the year, has gained a miniature following among local Inwood residents.
Claire Davenport joined an outing and spoke with participants David Schalk and Eilyn Vargas about the experience.
About the author(s)
Claire Davenport is a master's student at Columbia University School of Journalism with a focus on audio and healthcare.