Birding is for everyone, and Birdability is here to prove it!

This inclusive community event welcomes birders of all ages, abilities, and experience levels to enjoy the wetlands in whatever way works best for them. Choose from multiple ways to explore: guided walks along accessible, paved pathways for wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers; seated birding stations; and sensory-friendly options like bird call recordings and touchable feather and nest specimens. Staff will be on hand to describe sightings in detail for visually impaired guests, and quiet zones will be available for anyone who needs a calmer birding experience. Whether you're an experienced birder or picking up binoculars for the first time, come discover the joy of connecting with wetland birds!

When: Saturday, October 24th 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Cost: Free! This is a free community event.

Online registration: Required, please register!

What to bring:

Binoculars or a scope if you have them, we have binoculars to lend
Install the Merlin app on your phone ahead of time, if you want!
Long pants, sleeves, and closed-toed shoes
Bug spray
Sunscreen
A hat
Water bottle
Your sense of curiosity and wonder

Accessibility Information:

Location & Trails: The event takes place at John Bunker Sands Wetland Center, 655 Martin Lane, Combine, TX 75159. Short, paved trails and a wooden boardwalk near the center are ADA accessible. The remaining wetland trails are mowed grass, gravel, and dirt paths that are uneven and lumpy in places — not wheelchair accessible. There is one mowed, grassy trail that leads to a concrete slab with a shade structure overlooking the wetlands that is about 0.11 miles long. The total length of our ADA accessible boardwalk is approximately 0.5 miles, with options to shorten the walk based on comfortability. The remaining wetland trails are 3.61 miles total with options to shorten the hike/walk at multiple locations. Additional trail information can be found on our website at https://wetlandcenter.com/prepare/.

Parking: A small, 18 spot parking lot offers one standard accessible spot and one van-accessible spot. Additional parking is available a short distance further from the center. Please reach out to kcocks@wetlandcenter.com for additional accessible parking options or accommodations!

Restrooms: Two restrooms are available — one inside the center, one outside. There are no restrooms along the trails, so plan accordingly.

Seating: Seating is available near the center and along a small, mowed trail (two benches). No benches or seating are available along the boardwalk or the outer wetland trails.

Schedule: The event runs 9am–3pm, with multiple hour-long activities offered throughout the day. Participants are welcome to join any activity and move at their own pace — you're welcome to stay only as long as feels comfortable.

A Note on Terrain: If uneven ground is a concern, we recommend sticking to the paved trail and boardwalk area near the center, where the terrain is stable and accessible.

Questions or accommodation requests can be directed to kcocks@wetlandcenter.com before the event.

Our Program Refund Policy

If we must cancel the program, you will receive a full refund. If we must reschedule the program, you will be offered the choice of attending on the new date or receiving a full refund. If you cancel attending the program on the original date, no refund will be issued.

Birdability at John Bunker Sands Wetland Center

Bird Your Way!