Biggest Week Birding Opportunities for
Everybody and Every Body: Accessible Birding Trips

Black Swamp Bird Observatory is thrilled to offer a series of accessible field trips during the Biggest Week In American Birding. These field trips will move at the speed of the slowest birder to ensure no one is left behind. Accessible bathrooms and parking will be available at each site. Twenty binoculars will be available for use. We will have skilled leaders for these trips, some of whom are disabled.

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Wildwood Metropark

Dates: May 8, 14
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Where: Wildwood Metropark Metz Visitors Center and Nature Observatory
Fee: FREE
Registration Required
Limited to 25 participants

Join us at Wildwood Metropark for top notch birding experience. Wildwood Metropark is an oasis surrounded by a suburban landscape. This ecologically rich natural area hosts a diverse range of species including a large number of nesting birds. We will explore the upland forests in search of resident and migratory species! This field trip is an accessible, inclusive outing that will cover a 1.65-mile paved loop with a gentle grade that has benches along the pathway. We will move at the speed of the slowest birder to ensure no one is left behind. There are accessible bathrooms onsite. There are seven accessible parking spots, 6 of which are van-accessible. Twenty pairs of binoculars will be available for use. If you have any questions about the accessibility of the location or about the field trip, please contact Jamie Cunningham at [email protected]

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Pearson Metropark

Dates: May 9, 10, 11, 16, 17
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Where: Pearson Metropark Window on Wildlife
Fee: FREE
Registration Required
Limited to 25 participants

​You've decided birding sounds interesting, and you'd like to give it a try, but what do you do next? In this fun and easy workshop, we'll take you through everything you need to know to get started birding. You will learn tips on basic bird identification, how to choose a pair of binoculars and a field guide, and where and how to find birds. Explore bird behavior and learn what makes birds so incredible! This is an accessible outing on paved trails. We will move at a relaxed pace on this trip. There is an accessible bathroom onsite. Twenty pairs of binoculars will be available for use. If you have any questions about the accessibility of the location or about the field trip, please contact Jamie Cunningham at [email protected]

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Meadowbrook Marsh

Dates: May 12, 15
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Where: Meadowbrook Marsh
Fee: FREE
Registration Required
Limited to 25 participants

Situated on the edge of Sandusky Bay, this woodlot is a prime location for witnessing migration at its finest! This 190-acre property has various habitats, including mature forest, marshes, and open water, allowing for ample opportunities for both songbirds and waterbirds.  This field trip is an accessible, inclusive outing that will cover a 0.9-mile paved loop with a gentle grade that has benches along the pathway. We will move at the speed of the slowest birder to ensure no one is left behind. There is an accessible bathroom onsite. Two accessible van spots are available in the parking lot. Twenty pairs of binoculars will be available for use. If you have any questions about the accessibility of the location or about the field trip, please contact Jamie Cunningham at [email protected]

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Stationary Birding at Magee Marsh

Dates: May 13
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Where: Magee Marsh - Near the East Entrance past the "Road Closed Sign"
Fee: FREE
Registration Required
Limited to 25 participants

One of the best ways to enjoy birds is to sit quietly in one spot and let the birds come to you. During this accessible field trip at Magee Marsh, our expert guides will help point out the birds moving past and help participants identify them by sight and sound. This style of birding does not involve moving down a trail, so it’s perfect for people with mobility challenges, who want to just take it easy, or who only want to be involved for a short time. Please bring your own seating. This is a “drop-in” event; you are welcome to come and go at any time. Accessible restrooms available along with nine van accessible parking spots. We will be seated on a flat, paved section of trail. This event will take place in light rain, but will be cancelled in the event of heavy rain. Great for birders of all skill levels and abilities, particularly beginners! Twenty pairs of binoculars will be available for use. If you have any questions about the accessibility of the location or about the field trip, please contact Jamie Cunningham at [email protected]