Little Sit: Accessible for All Birdwatching

Fairmount Park Conservancy is thrilled to partner with In Color Birding Club, Feminist Bird Club Philly, Pennsylvania Center for Adapted Sports (PCAS), and Philly Queer Birders for a special morning of birding on October 22 from 8:00–11:00 AM. This event is intentionally accessible to BIPOC, the LGBTQ+ community, and those with disabilities.

Birders seek out diversity in birds, looking for an array of colors, sizes, ages, origins, etc. Thankfully, there’s a movement underway among birders to similarly celebrate diversity in our fellow humans. All are welcome! We encourage people with all skill levels to attend (even if you have never been birding).

Halloween costumes are welcome! You’re welcome to show up at any time between 8:00–11:00 AM and stay for as long or as short as you want. We’ll have a few light snacks and encourage people to bring outside chairs, picnic blankets, or anything that will make you comfortable spending a morning birding in one location (rather than walking). We’ll have name tags where you can write your name and pronouns if you want so you can easily meet other birding friends. After all, birds of a feather flock together!

Accessibility notes are listed in the ‘Know Before You Go’ and ‘Parking/Getting There’ sections below; however, if you have any other questions, requests, or needs, please reach out to [email protected].

WHAT IS A “LITTLE SIT”? 
The Little Sit is our answer to a typically day-long, stationary birding event called a “big sit,” where groups try to see as many birds in one location as possible. It’s also a departure from our normal format of taking a bird hike where a lot of terrain is covered and we go to the birds. Instead, with the Little Sit, we find a stationary position and let the birds come to us!

About Partner Organizations

• In Color Birding Club is an organization founded in 2021 to make the birding experience a positive one for BIPOC folks and their allies. This includes: organizing inclusive events, giving back to underserved communities of color, and inspiring youth.
• Philly Queer Birders started in March 2021 as a way to create queer community, learn about our feathered friends, and explore all the great birding that Philadelphia has to offer. They typically meet up monthly and have held events at FDR Park, John Heinz NWR, The Woodlands, and more.
• Feminist Bird Club was founded by Molly Adams in 2016 as a way to leverage both their passion for birds and their passion for social justice into a cohesive whole. Since then, the Feminist Bird Club has expanded to chapters across North America and in the Netherlands.
• Pennsylvania Center for Adapted Sports has been a leader in providing adapted sports to persons with disabilities for decades. Administered from its office on Boathouse Row, PCAS currently operates 13 sport and wellness programs year-round, with a focus on building inclusive communities with barrier-free and supportive settings.

TICKET PRICES: This event is FREE, but we do ask that you RSVP so we can send pre-event info.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

• Come anytime between 8:00–11:00 AM and stay as long or as short as you’d like.
• There are ADA-accessible bathrooms inside the Horticulture Center. Enter via the ramp on the parking lot side of the building, marked on this map.
• BYOB – as in, please bring your own binoculars. If you don’t have any, no problem! We will have about 35 pairs of binoculars on hand to borrow. You can also bring your own bird book or download an identification app such as Merlin.
• Appropriate for all, including families with children! Minors must be accompanied by a guardian.
• This is a fully outdoor event so please dress according to weather conditions.
• Please bring your own water (drinking water is not available in the park).
• Bring sunscreen and bug spray.
• Friendly dogs on a leash are welcome.
• Halloween costumes are welcome!

PARKING/GETTING THERE: We will be located in the backside of the building. If driving in from Horticultural Drive, there are accessible parking spaces in the front and around the back of the building. There is also plenty of parking (including accessible parking spaces) available in the large lot marked on this map. As always, NEVER leave valuables in your car! SEPTA Bus 38 (in both directions) drops off at Belmont Avenue near the Horticulture Center, also marked on the map.

QUESTIONS? Please reach out to [email protected]