Zelle Tenorio remembers a defining moment three years ago when they became a passionate birder. It was during a walk organized by Chicago BIPOC Birders and Out in Nature, an LGBTQ+ outdoor meetup group. Tenorio witnessed a Caspian tern catching a fish and described the scene as fascinating. Since then, birdwatching has become a regular part of Tenorio’s life, including volunteering at related events. They even got a tattoo of a tern with a fish to mark this special occasion.
Chicago BIPOC Birders creates engaging bird walks and bird sits, where participants observe birds from a single spot, in various city parks and outdoor spaces. On a recent Sunday, they led a Pride Sit at South Shore’s Rainbow Beach Park for LGBTQ+ birders and their families. Participants set up picnic blankets on the beach and received binoculars and bird guides. Quickly, someone pointed out a starling flitting through the sky, while another noted the call of a sandpiper.
Maddie Fernandez, an organizer, says Chicago BIPOC Birders was established to fulfill the need for connection post-pandemic and counteract stereotypes about birding as an activity reserved for older white individuals. Fernandez emphasizes creating an affinity space within Chicago’s birding community, combating feelings of alienation experienced by diverse members.
The multigenerational group welcomes seasoned naturalists and novices alike. Many members, like Joice Kim, a student and bird enthusiast, joined after following the group’s Instagram. Inspired by the sense of community, Kim attended her first event spontaneously. Long-term participant Rachel Flores shares fond memories of spotting nighthawks, kingfishers, herons, and even bald eagles during outings with the group. Flores appreciates seeing more wildlife than they would when exploring solo.
Attendee Joseline Salmeron views the bird sit as a relaxed way to celebrate Pride, contrasting it with the typical party atmosphere associated with the event. Salmeron appreciates the group’s focus on organizing events especially in parks on the South Side, noting the lack of visibility of outdoor groups in this area.
While birdwatching, Fernandez touches on the fascinating ways birds exhibit gender and sexuality. Many bird species undergo sex changes or form same-sex parenting attachments, providing validating connections for queer individuals. For example, same-sex partnerships appear in over 130 bird species as documented by the National Wildlife Federation, and Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo hosts a same-sex penguin couple.
Florez admires birds for living without concern for gender norms, finding birds’ lives reflective and healing. They note that birds lead their existence freely, a sentiment echoed by others at the event.