Visually impaired people learn to identify birds through sounds in Caracas: Video
In preparation for a global birdwatching event on May 18, a group of 20 participants - both sighted and visually impaired - are training to identify birds using sound.
The initiative, led by experienced birdwatcher and educator Rosa Elena Albornoz, aims to enhance accessibility in bird identification and foster inclusivity in nature appreciation.
“It is a group of 20 people, including sighted and visually impaired individuals, and the purpose is to take them and prepare them for a global activity on May 18. They will be the ones representing Venezuela and will create lists of birds seen with their sounds,” Albornoz told the AFP.
Albornoz, who has dedicated 25 years to bird observation, is guiding participants through a series of listening exercises and field experiences, allowing them to distinguish various bird species by their calls and songs. The initiative not only promotes awareness of local birdlife but also provides a unique way for visually impaired individuals to engage with nature.
The participants will play a role in Venezuela’s representation in the upcoming global event to demonstrate that bird identification is not limited to sight.
