BIPOC Birding Outing

BIPOC Birding event at UW in October 2024 | Ian Jan

by Ian Jan, Field Trip Leader and NextGen Councilmember

My partner, Gina, and I got into birding after seeing people with binoculars while kayaking near Union Bay Natural Area in late 2022. While slowly learning about our local birds, we began searching for a community of fellow birders. Conveniently, we found and joined Birds Connect Seattle (BCS) as volunteers shortly afterward. We quickly fell in love with birding. The amazing accessibility of walking routes nearby (much appreciated as a car-free couple in Seattle), never-ending calls of species to remember, and easy opportunities to converse with a curious passerby are just a few reasons. However, we often felt isolated as the few—if any—folks of color when exploring natural spaces or attending outings. Especially as newcomers to a hobby, we were seeking a sense of belonging. Struggling to find friends in the post-pandemic city, Gina and I thought birding would be a perfect way to connect with others. We also wanted to fill in the gap of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)-centered programming by BCS and address the organization’s historical challenges with inclusivity.

In May, we decided to host our very first BIPOC-focused outing (which was also our first time leading any outing) to celebrate Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Month at our favorite local spot: Union Bay Natural Area. Gina and I didn’t know what to expect, but we were so excited standing before the attendees that morning. There was a powerful feeling among our group that we were breaking new ground for the bright future of the newly named BCS. We saw such a flurry of bird activity that late spring day, including a duet of Osprey soaring above us and the elusive Virginia Rail scurrying in the marsh. Although our memories of the exact details are hazy now, we’ll always remember the appreciation from our new friends for creating a dedicated space to commemorate our individual yet shared identities.

BIPOC bird outing Ballard Locks Ian Jan (1)

BIPOC Birding event at Ballard Locks September 2024 | Ian Jan

Since that inaugural May outing, we have hosted four additional BIPOC birding events scattered across Seattle. We knew that consistency was key for building community, so we planned on hosting one outing per month. Additionally, we wanted to allow our attendees to have more opportunities to connect beyond the short walks. I recap our outings by sharing the eBird checklists—which allowed novice birders to revisit the species we spotted and the photographers in the group to share their amazing work—and providing useful resources like the Merlin app and the BCS Nature Shop (where I volunteer on Saturday mornings). We also started planning group meals following the outings to socialize without the delightful distractions of birding. This started when an attendee suggested happy hour at her brother’s Guamanian restaurant, FamilyFriend, after walking through Cheasty Greenspace in Columbia City. We broke bread with a diverse group of friends at a minority-owned establishment after exploring an urban natural area, specifically one being actively restored by the neighboring community. This felt exactly what Gina and I envisioned for our BIPOC birding trips.

BIPOC bird outing Ballard group shot Ian Jan

BIPOC Birding event at Ballard Locks September 2024 | Ian Jan

We’re grateful to BCS and its members for the community that we’ve finally found. Gina and I also want to acknowledge that we were inspired by the efforts of our fellow volunteers on the NextGen Council to raise awareness for birding and local urban nature among younger adults. We wanted to bring our own experiences as BIPOC folks in Seattle to address an issue that is personal for us. Importantly, we recognized that improving equity involves actively and deliberately welcoming those who may not have experienced a sense of belonging before. We know what that’s like. Since these BIPOC birding outings are gradually building momentum, we plan on continuing them well into the future. Moreover, we encourage others to join us in spreading the love of birding to a more diverse audience. This is just the beginning. We’re excited for what the upcoming year will bring!