Disclaimer: I'm sighted. I joined this community after my friend's Mom lost her sight. I appreciate the insight and advice I've picked up over the years I've spent mostly lurking here.

I'm also a casual bird watcher.


There have been a number of questions about hobbies recently and bird watching seemed like something that could be accessible but might not be obvious.


I've been using apps from the Audubon Society and the Cornell Ornithology Lab to learn to identify birds by their songs because I can usually hear more birds than I can see. Spotting birds by ear has been just as rewarding as spotting them visually. It's also pretty cool to be able to think, 'I hear cardinals, nuthatches, sparrows, and mourning doves' instead of just, 'I hear a lot of birds today.'


Here are some resources that could be helpful.


The Birding by Ear and Beyond Program is coordinated by UM-Dearborn alumna, Donna Posont, who herself is blind. Donna graduated with an Environmental Studies degree from the University and was the second blind person in the United States to be recognized as a Certified Interpretive Guide by the National Association for Interpretation (NAI).

https://umdearborn.edu/environmental-interpretive-center/education-programs/community-programs/birding-ear-and-beyond


Birding for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired: Tips and Resources

https://partnersforsight.org/birding-blind-tips-and-resources/