Zelle Tenorio vividly recalls the moment they became captivated by bird watching, a passion ignited three years back. This pivotal experience occurred during a walk organized by Chicago BIPOC Birders and Out in Nature, an LGBTQ+ outdoor meetup group. While observing a Caspian tern skillfully catch a fish, Tenorio felt an instant connection. This experience was deemed the most fascinating they had ever witnessed. Embracing this interest, Tenorio, who prefers they/them pronouns, has since immersed themselves in birding and volunteering at related events. To symbolize their fondness for birds, Tenorio even sports a tattoo depicting a tern with a fish.
Chicago BIPOC Birders has been hosting numerous bird walks and bird sits—where participants gather in one spot to observe birds—across Chicago’s parks since 2021. On a tranquil Sunday morning, they held a Pride Sit for LGBTQ+ birders and their families at South Shore’s Rainbow Beach Park. Participants spread picnic blankets on the sand and were provided with binoculars and bird guides. Excitement ensued as starlings flitted across the sky and calls from sandpipers were noted. Maddie Fernandez, organizer of the events, reflects on creating Chicago BIPOC Birders as a response to pandemic-driven isolation and the desire to challenge stereotypes that view birding as exclusive to older, white demographics. She emphasized the importance of carving out an inclusive, affinity space within Chicago’s birding circles. “Our members have often felt marginalized by traditional birding communities,” Fernandez shared.
Long in tune with nature, Fernandez holds a position as community engagement and programs manager at Urban Rivers, an environmental nonprofit. She joined Chicago BIPOC Birders in 2022 but was organizing her own walks by 2024. The group’s multigenerational approach openly welcomes both seasoned naturalists and novices.
Among new participants, Joice Kim, a student deeply fond of bird watching, decided on a whim to join an event after connecting with the organization’s Instagram account earlier in the year. Her motivation stemmed from her desire to join a communal setting. Long-standing members like Rachel Flores bring years of experience with BIPOC Birders, relishing in sightings of diverse birds such as nighthawks, kingfishers, herons, and a remarkable bald eagle.
The bird sit served as a calming alternative to conventional Pride celebrations. For Joseline Salmeron, it was a relaxed way to embrace Pride’s essence. “Pride can often be mistaken for a party vibe, but it represents so much more,” she explained. She made the trip to Rainbow Beach Park by bicycle from her Woodlawn residence, expressing gratitude for BIPOC Birders frequently organizing events on the South Side. “Outdoor groups often lack visibility in the area,” Salmeron lamented.
Throughout the sit, Fernandez shared insights on how birds exhibit aspects of gender and sexuality. “Numerous birds change sexes, are intersex; many develop same-sex parenting bonds,” Fernandez detailed. This notion resonates deeply with the queer community, providing validation and healing as individuals spend time in reflective surroundings. Notably, same-sex partnerships exist among over 130 bird species, as highlighted by the National Wildlife Federation. Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago houses a same-sex penguin couple, reinforcing the idea that birds often transcend gender norms. Flores appreciates that birds embody queerness in their disregard for gender constructs as they pursue life unfazed.