Richmond group provides inclusive space for birders to connect while learning

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Did you know that roughly three in ten Americans are birders? Here's what two local birders say brought them to the activity, and inspired them to lead an inclusive Richmond birding club.

Virginia is home to a variety of organizations dedicated to birding and the conservation of bird species.

One such organization is the Richmond chapter of Feminist Bird Club, which provides a safe and inclusive space for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, women, people of color, differently abled people, and allies to connect over a shared interest.

The Richmond chapter was started in 2021 by Chloe Tremper, who remains a co-lead.

8News spoke with two of the club's additional co-leads, Britt Usiak and Haley Rodgers, to learn what drew them to the hobby and to lead the Richmond chapter, specifically.

Usiak, who has been involved in Feminist Bird Club since 2022, said her interest in birding began years ago from neighbors who were birders and had bird feeders in their yard. After moving to Tennessee, she installed bird feeders in her own yard, and her interest continued to expand.

Usiak explained that she began writing lists of the species she saw near her home, and she became involved in birding tourism. Additionally, while working as a teacher, she started teaching her students more about birds.

Rodgers said she has been involved in the club for roughly the same amount of time, during which she has enjoyed fostering learning among the group and among herself.

"We really try to empower anybody who knows anything about birds," Rodgers said. "If they can just point one out, then that's birding."

Rodgers said she became interested in birding while growing up near the Great Salt Lake in Utah, which is along a migratory path for large numbers of birds. Her interest continued to blossom throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and even more after moving to Richmond, where she continued observing birds and wanted to share her curiosity and excitement with others.

As for what makes birding special as an outdoor hobby, Usiak said it is a highly accessible activity, even in more urban environments, like Richmond.

"You can do it anywhere," Usiak said. "There are always birds around, even in an urban area. You don't really need equipment, though it's nice to have binoculars, but you can just go out and find birds."

Usiak added that with birding, there is always something new to learn, whether it's a new bird or a different call made by a bird that you have not yet heard.

Rodgers explained that, in addition to birding being enjoyable, science shows that birding is also beneficial for one's mental health.

According to recent research, encounters with birds benefit the well-being of people with depression. Stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms are also significantly reduced by engaging with birds, as birding combines being outdoors with focusing on birds and light exercise, according to another study.

Rodgers further said that, beyond its benefits, the health of bird populations is also an indicator of the health of the ecosystem, making observations that much more important.

As for Feminist Bird Club's Richmond chapter, specifically, Usiak and Rodgers said the club is truly an inclusive space for everyone of all identities, abilities, ages, and experience levels.

Usiak described the group as being less focused on competition and having a more communal approach.

Though many stereotypes around birding relate the hobby to older generations, both Usiak and Rodgers emphasized that its popularity, especially as of late, seems to be amongst younger folks. In fact, a PopSugar article published in September referred to birding as "the hot-girl hobby of the year."

Usiak and Rodgers also described memorable birding moments they have experienced, both locally and while traveling outside of the U.S.

Usiak said she specifically enjoys seeing woodpeckers locally, especially the pileated woodpecker, and the different drumming sounds they have.

"Closer to home, I really love woodpeckers, and the pileated woodpecker is the biggest woodpecker that we have in this area," Usiak said.

One of Usiak's favorite birding moments outside of the country, however, was when she saw the resplendent quetzal in Costa Rica, which she had read about but never expected to observe.

Rodgers said that locally, she loves observing barred owls, which she often hears in her backyard alongside her husband.

"We've become infatuated with the barred owls," Rodgers said. "We're so happy they can have a space here, especially in a suburban area. And with the bird club, we've spotted those before, which is so magical and so exciting."

Rodgers added that her most memorable bird sighting outside of the U.S. happened when she visited the Philippines, where she observed around 40 species she had not seen before.

As for their bird sighting goals, Usiak and Rodgers explained that there are a few birds they hope to observe in the future.

Usiak said she hopes to see a bobwhite quail one day. She noted the bird has a local population at Powhatan State Park that she has not yet seen.

Rodgers said she hopes to see the painted bunting in Virginia, with males of the species being brightly colored, showing blue, green, yellow and red hues.

Rodgers added that her "nemesis bird," meaning a bird she has repeatedly tried to see but has not yet observed, is the roseate spoonbill, which is a large pinkish wading bird.

In terms of what a beginner birder may need, both Usiak and Rodgers said there are a variety of resources available to get started.

Usiak recommended checking out a field guide to help with identification and downloading both Cornell Lab's Merlin Bird ID and eBird to further assist in identifying birds and keeping track of your sightings.

In addition, Rodgers recommended joining a Facebook group to discuss sightings online and attending a Feminist Bird Club event, where you can borrow free binoculars and try out using a scope, which further aids in more accurate identification.

Rodgers also noted that beginners can check out a free nature backpack available at different libraries throughout Virginia, which includes free binoculars, a field guide and a day pass to most Virginia State Parks.

Although the club's next event at Bryan Park on Oct. 7 has filled, those looking to join one of the club's upcoming events can do so at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 19, at the Hollywood Cemetery, or on Oct. 25, at Fonticello Food Forest.

In addition, Usiak and Rodgers said that anyone with experience birding who wishes to volunteer as a guide for an upcoming event can contact co-leads at fbc.richmondva@gmail.com.

To get more involved, keep track of upcoming events and find additional details, visit the club's Instagram @fbc.rva, visit the link in the club's bio, or send an email to fbc.richmondva@gmail.com.