On a late winter day in mid-March, when the sun was shining and offering us good pre-Spring ‘vibes’, volunteers from Spencer Pride connected with folks from The Cornell Lab of Ornithology. This was a ‘big deal’ for Rainbow Birders Leader Wendy Wonderley, who was among those present for the discussion.
“For those unfamiliar with the lab, it is the premier organization focused on the appreciation, education, and advocacy for our avian friends,” says Wonderley.
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is the organization behind popular participatory science apps such as eBird and Merlin, both of which are used religiously on all Rainbow Birder outings.
Conversations between Spencer Pride and other organizations are common, and new opportunities to collaborate pop up are becoming more frequent as word of Spencer Pride’s work continues to spread.
The discussion lasted just an hour, but the conversation was passionate and productive. Participants hatched up quite a few ways that they could support one another.
The outcome of flocking together on this call will be improved capabilities in supporting our Rainbow Birders program such as access to educational birding materials that will enhance current offerings, as well as resources and knowledge about how become even more inclusive (and better birders!).
Meanwhile, back in Indiana Wonderley has been leading a collaboration with Indiana Audubon Society and is excited to announce that Spencer Pride’s Rainbow Birders will be delivering special training for Indiana Audubon Society (IAS) members and guests this summer. “Leading Inclusive Bird Outings” will be delivered virtually on Thursday, June 26 by Wonderley and fellow Rainbow Birder Jonathan Balash (who also serves as Spencer Pride’s president and programming director).
Spencer Pride and IAS have been discussing the possibility of this training since mid 2024. Last November, Wonderley participated in IAS’ Hoosier Birders’ Hour with the topic of “Getting Started in Birding” which benefitted new birders statewide.
Another outcome of the ongoing collaboration is that Indiana Audubon Society has been helping to promote Rainbow Birders events, encouraging folks to join this inclusive birding group based out of South Central Indiana. This brings awareness of Rainbow Birders (and Spencer Pride) to a new audience. Wonderley says that participation in Rainbow Birders events has benefited from this promotion.
“This is one of the many examples of the types of collaboration that Spencer Pride does with other organizations,” says Balash.
“It’s amazing what we can accomplish when we work hand-and-hand with other organizations. We may not share the same mission, and yet we can often find ways that our missions do intersect. That’s where the magic can happen.”
Engaging in conversations and collaborations with organizations like the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Indiana Audubon Society enable Spencer Pride to build community in ways that connect us geographically and socially. It helps Spencer Pride to be more effective and efficient in our programming. It also contributes to the work of other organizations, ensuring we can make a larger impact, together.
Individuals interested in participating in “Leading Inclusive Bird Outings” on June 26 should follow Spencer Pride on social media as further information about the event will be shared once it is available. For more information about Spencer Pride’s Rainbow Birders program, contact lead Wendy Wonderley at Wendy@SpencerPride.org.