Group trips are a great way for birders to enjoy nature together. While guided walks are the go-to outing for many event organizers, why not let the birds come to you?
A bird sit is an outing in which participants observe birds together from a single location—often supplemented by snacks and socializing. Whether your goal is to see a lot of species, kick back with fellow bird enthusiasts, or a bit of both, bird sits are versatile events, easily adapted to meet your group’s needs. Because the whole point is to stay put, they can be a great option for people with mobility challenges when planned with accessibility in mind.
For birders who love lengthy lists, a Big Sit puts a competitive spin on birding in place. The objective: to observe as many species as possible from within a 17-foot-diameter circle. Dan Jehl leads one such event, modeled after an international stationary birding challenge, at the San Diego Bird Alliance’s annual festival. He sets up chairs, spotting scopes, and beverage coolers at a site along the San Diego River estuary that has clear views of several desirable bird habitats, located a short walk from restrooms and other amenities at the festival’s headquarters.
“What’s really nice about a bird sit,” Kirshenbuam says, “is that it can be what you want it to be.”
The group keeps a running list of observed species on a large dry-erase board, often attracting the attention of curious passersby. “If you’re willing to share your knowledge and listen to them talk about the cool little bird they saw down the way, you can get more people interested,” Jehl says, “and maybe they’ll get into birding eventually.” While he always hopes to set a new species record, Jehl appreciates the slower pace: “Since you’re not working hard running around, it’s your chance to absorb information with the people that are there and learn more about the area.”
The opportunity for bonding time is one reason NYC Queer Birders added bird sits to their programming, says Hannah Kirshenbaum, who founded the group in 2020 to cultivate queer-friendly spaces for bird lovers. Last October the group cohosted a Halloween bird sit with SamSam Graves of NYC Bird Alliance in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, costumes encouraged. Attendees came to “look at birds while looking like a bird,” Kirshenbaum says, and even try their hands at drawing birds in a field journaling activity. With about a dozen people in attendance and plenty of food to share, “it was a big group but intimate enough where everybody could sit in a circle and talk—and we got to look at birds.” They plan to add both Big Sit-style events and more themed stationary birding parties to the outing schedule for the coming year. “What’s really nice about a bird sit,” Kirshenbuam says, “is that it can be what you want it to be.”
This story originally ran in the Spring 2025 issue as “Bird Sits Are Big Fun.” To receive our print magazine, become a member by making a donation today.
