Let’s Go Birding Together: Commons Ford

8:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Let’s Go Birding Together intentionally welcomes the LGBTQ+ community to come learn about birds and birding. Everyone deserves to spend time in nature without fear about their safety or wondering if they will be welcome into a group. Our free LGBT birding walks allow everyone to experience the joys of nature in a safe, affirming, and inclusive space. We will be offering LGBT walks monthly, which will allow us to witness the wonderful diversity of bird species in Central Texas throughout the year, from colorful spring warblers and melodious summer residents to unassuming fall migrants and subtle winter beauties.

Walks will be queer-led/friendly by knowledgeable birders with Travis Audubon Society. All experience levels are welcome, from those who are brand-new to birding and want to learn more to those who have been birding for years. All ages are also welcome, from elders to youth. Please note that anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or parental figure.

We will prioritize space for people in the LGBTQ+ community on these walks. Allies, friends, and family are also welcome to participate as space allows.

Walk Description: The trail is a little over one mile long and winds through a beautifully restored native prairie, down along a Pecan bottom next to the Colorado River, then returning to the prairie. The trail is mostly exposed with some areas of shade along the river.

Amenities: There are several port-a-potty restrooms available at the trailhead/parking area. Drinking water is not available at the park. Please plan to bring your own water.

Accessibility information: The majority of the walk is 0%-2% grade, which is about zero to 1:50 slope, with one short section (11 feet) with a grade of 3%, which is about 1:30 slope. The trail is mostly about 8 to 10 feet wide, and the terrain is earthen comprised of compacted soils, which is slightly uneven in some places. The parking area is crushed gravel, and there are no ADA-compliant parking spaces.

All participants must comply with Travis Audubon’s COVID-19 policies and procedures. When the City of Austin is in Stage 3, masks are optional.

Registration: Please register in advance by emailing Amy Sugeno, the LGBT walk organizer, at amysugeno (at) gmail (dot) com (amysugeno@gmail.com). Additional details will be provided to participants closer to the field trip date. Your information will be kept confidential and will only be used to hold your spot and to contact you before the walk with any additional information.