Strange gay hobbies: LGBTQ+ birdwatching!

On a bright May morning at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, Elise Greenberg, one of the founding members of Philly Queer Birders (PQB), stands poised with binoculars in hand. Surrounded by the lush greenery of the country’s first urban wildlife refuge, Greenberg and fellow bird enthusiasts are on the lookout for the diverse range of birds this urban oasis offers. From snowy egrets to marsh wrens, the refuge’s expansive habitats of woods, wetlands, and creeks provide a haven for an array of avian life.

Philadelphia’s birding scene, coloured by iconic species like eagles and the omnipresent city pigeons, has found new vibrancy under the stewardship of Philly Queer Birders—a group dedicated to making birdwatching inclusive and welcoming for the queer community and its allies. Founded in 2021 by Greenberg and friends, PQB fosters a supportive environment where both seasoned birders and novices can come together to enjoy nature and learn about birds.

“We always welcome a lot of beginners and a lot of experts alike,” Greenberg shared. “It’s just a really welcoming space.”

PQB’s excursions span various sites across the city and region, including Cobbs Creek, Tyler Arboretum, and John Heinz Refuge, their most frequented spot. Regardless of the season, each visit unveils new marvels for attendees—winter ducks, spring songbirds, and more—displayed against the backdrop of the refuge’s scenic tranquility, just a stone’s throw from the urban bustle.

Greenberg’s passion for such accessible natural retreats is palpable: “I love it because it’s so close to the city and yet it does not at all feel like a city. Having an accessible space like that just gives me a lot of peace and a lot of joy.”

The group’s growth has been marked. Some birding walks attract up to 60 attendees, though the usual number hovers around 35, indicating a thriving interest within the community. This growth is not just about numbers; it’s about the deep sense of community forged along the way.

Dani Gonzalez, a PQB member, emphasises the significance of the group’s intergenerational nature. In a comment shared on Instagram, Gonzalez highlighted how the representation of the LGBTQ community often trends towards stereotypes or tragic narratives in the media. However, PQB offers a refreshing departure from this norm, showcasing a community bound by shared interests and joyful interactions.

“I love waking up early and being outside with my queer community,” Gonzalez said. “I love seeing happy, queer families and queer couples out birding.”

For Greenberg, the community aspect is at the heart of PQB’s mission. They aim to make birdwatching a collective experience that brings the joy of nature—what they call “bird joy”—to everyone involved.

“It’s really just being able to enjoy nature together with other queer people and to feel that connection that, like, we’re all really enjoying this bird together, we’re outside, we’re with our people … being able to see that and create that and facilitate that is one of the greatest joys I could’ve hoped for starting this group,” Greenberg expressed.

The next event on PQB’s calendar is set for this Sunday, 11 August, at Glen Foerd from 9-11 a.m. Later in the year, PQB has planned a stationary outing known as the Little Sit, scheduled for Sunday, 22 September, at Morris Arboretum, from 8-11 a.m. This event is in collaboration with several local birding and community groups including In Color Birding, Feminist Bird Club Philly, and the Pennsylvania Center for Adaptive Sports (PCAS), allowing folks to drop in at their convenience.