Birdability Event Brings The Joy of Birding to Everybody and Every Body

October 14, 2025
Land & Water Resources

Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance (SoWBA) and Dane County Parks are excited to welcome the public to a special celebration of the many ways our community enjoys birds on Saturday, October 25, 2025! The free event, designed with accessibility in mind, will be held at Fish Camp County Park, 3359 Fish Camp Road, in McFarland from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 

As part of national Birdability Week, this event aims to foster joy, community, and connection with nature through a variety of birding-related experiences. It can be challenging for people with disabilities or other health concerns to participate in birding. The folks at these organizations are passionate about sharing their love of nature and birdwatching with everyone.

"This event is designed to make birding and the outdoors welcoming, inclusive, safe, and accessible for all," says Brenna Marsicek, Director of Outreach at SoWBA. "It is so important to uplift and amplify the experiences of birders with disabilities because this is a hobby that truly anyone and everyone can participate in, enjoy, and benefit from. Simple things like birding by ear or offering stationary birding events make it easier for more people to enjoy the natural world." 

SoWBA is also thrilled to welcome Birdability's executive director, Cat Fribley, as a special guest. Ms. Fribley is a strong advocate for the organization's core tenet that "birding is truly for everybody and every body, regardless of disability or other health concerns."

Ms. Fribley will guide a stationary birding “sit” and will be available at the Birdability table throughout the rest of the program. Stop by and chat with her and with representatives from the other partner organizations to learn more about their missions, upcoming events, and more.

“Dane County Parks is committed to ensuring recreational activities accessible to people of all abilities. We hope this event offers participants a chance to connect with nature through birding—whether through stationary observation or movement-based exploration.” says Lael Pascual, Engagement & Visitor Services Manager for Dane County Parks. “Fish Camp County Park was chosen as the event location for its variety of birdwatching opportunities. From the paved Lower Yahara River Trail to paddling on the Yahara River or sitting along the shore of Lake Kegonsa, there are many ways to see and hear birds. There's something here for everyone.”

Bathrooms, drinking water, and accessible parking are all available onsite. Volunteers will direct guests to parking spaces at the park and in an overflow lot, with a shuttle running between the two. An electric-powered outdoor wheelchair will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. An all-terrain outdoor wheelchair is also available and may be reserved by emailing heritagecenter@danecounty.gov then mentioning this event and the time slot you are hoping to use it for. 

All event activities are entirely free of charge. There will be two 90-minute birding sessions, each with a guided tour and a stationary option to observe and identify birds by sight and sound. Additional scheduled activities include bird photography with Photo Midwest, birding by bike, and birding by boat (canoe). Some offerings require prior registration due to limited space; visit danecountyparks.com/birdability to sign up or for more information.

Media Contact for Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance:
With specific inquiries or to schedule an interview with Brenna Marsicek or Cat Fribley, get in touch with:

Kaitlin Svabek, Communications Director
Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance
ksvabek@swibirds.org

Media Contact for Dane County Parks
Lael Pascual, Engagement & Visitor Services Manager
Dane County Parks
pascual.lael@danecounty.gov