Zelle Tenorio vividly recalls when birdwatching became their passion. It was three years ago during a walk organized by Chicago BIPOC Birders and Out in Nature, an LGBTQ+ outdoor group. They watched a Caspian tern catch a fish, an experience they fondly described as the coolest thing ever. Since then, birdwatching and volunteering at events have become regular activities for Tenorio. They even got a tattoo of a tern with a fish to mark that first experience.
Since 2021, Chicago BIPOC Birders has been hosting bird walks and sits in parks across the city. On a recent Sunday morning, they led a Pride Sit for LGBTQ+ birders and their families at South Shore’s Rainbow Beach Park. Participants spread blankets on the beach, using binoculars and bird guides to observe the avian life around them. A starling fluttered across the sky, and someone identified the call of a sandpiper.
Maddie Fernandez, an organizer with BIPOC Birders, explained that the group emerged from a desire for connection and to counter stereotypes about birdwatching being an exclusive activity for older white people. The need for a new affinity space in birding was evident; members often felt isolated by their involvement in the hobby. Fernandez joined the organization in 2022 and began organizing walks a couple of years later. The group is open to all, including seasoned birdwatchers and novices.
Joice Kim, a student and bird enthusiast, decided to attend an event after following the group on Instagram. She wanted community involvement, something echoed by others like Rachel Flores, who has been birdwatching with BIPOC Birders for years. Flores, who uses they/them pronouns, has observed nighthawks, kingfishers, herons, and even a bald eagle on group outings. They appreciate seeing more birds on these walks than when birding alone.
For Joseline Salmeron, the bird sit offered a relaxed way to celebrate Pride. Pride events often carry a party atmosphere, but Salmeron appreciates the quieter celebration through birdwatching. She bicycles to the sit from Woodlawn and values that events often take place on the South Side, where outdoor recreation groups are less visible.
During the sit, Fernandez spoke about gender and sexuality in birds. Many animals, including birds, can change sexes or are intersex. Same-sex parenting attachments are also observed. These natural occurrences can affirm the experiences of queer people, making them feel seen and validated. Spending time in such reflective environments can be healing.
According to the National Wildlife Federation, over 130 bird species exhibit same-sex partnerships. Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo also houses a same-sex penguin pair. Flores loves the queer nature of birds, who live without concern for gender constructs. They are simply living their lives.
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