Phoenix Inclusive Birding Club

4.8•164 ratings

About us

We're a community of birders (have you ever appreciated or enjoyed wild birds? Congrats!! You are a birder!). We welcome beginners, experts, and everyone in between. Whether you are interested in getting outside, just downloaded the Merlin app and realized this could be a fun hobby, or if you have a life list a mile long- you’re invited!

We believe that birding is about community, both the people we share the experience with and the native ecosystems that birds call home. Our outings are designed to be casual and judgment-free — no gear or experience required.

### What We Value (Group Guidelines):

Inclusivity and kindness — this group is committed to being an affirming space for everyone, especially those from historically excluded or marginalized communities. We actively welcome LGBTQIA+ individuals, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), people with disabilities (including physical, sensory, mental health, and neurodivergent identities), and anyone who has felt unwelcome in outdoor or birding spaces.
Curiosity— we love learning together, sharing excitement, and celebrating Bird Joy (genuine happiness that comes from noticing and connecting with birds). Practicing your ID skills and adding birds to your eBird list is welcome, but there is no pressure to ID every bird.
Respect for nature and each other — we follow the basic code of birding ethics from the American Birding Association and Leave No Trace principles. This includes staying on the trail/path and giving all animals their space to avoid stressing them out.
Respect for people — be mindful of personal space and social cues, and help keep interactions friendly and low-pressure. Avoid interrupting or dominating conversations, and do not offer unsolicited advice, products, or repeated offers (including food or gear). Respect others’ privacy and participation style—some people are there to chat, others to quietly enjoy nature. Harassment, bullying, or inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. Organizers may step in as needed to maintain a positive group experience, and members may be removed if these expectations are not followed.

I do my best to keep up with Meetup messages, though notifications can occasionally be inconsistent on the Meetup app. I lead this group on a volunteer basis alongside a full-time job and other commitments, so response times may vary.
During the weeks leading up to events, I aim to check messages daily. Thank you for your patience and understanding!

This group started in 2024 and has grown thanks to members stepping in to lead events! Due to my full-time job, events are primarily held on weekends and occasionally on Friday evenings. I rotate locations around the Valley and vary times to accommodate different schedules and seasons.
If you’re interested in hosting an outing or want to see more events during weekdays, I’d be happy to help you plan and lead (or help find a co-leader).

ABA Code of Birding Ethics: https://www.aba.org/pdfviewer/code-of-ethics/?auto_viewer=true#page=&zoom=auto&pagemode=none

Leave No Trace: https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/