Listening to Nature: My Journey Featured on NEVE

Earlier this year, I responded to a request for stories for NEVE, a website where women and girls with disability can tell their stories. I applied because I wanted to tell my story about ‘Birding by Ear’. My story was accepted and here it is below.

September 25, 2024

Nature’s Melodies: Birding by Ear in Melbourne – a lived experience story

By:

Annette Leishman

Nothing can be more challenging than birdwatching for people who are blind or have low vision. But “birding-by-ear” is a completely different experience.

[Image: Community Engagement Ranger Mip Grant and volunteer guide Annette Leishman will lead the birding-by-ear Park Walk.]

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Nothing can be more challenging than birdwatching for people who are blind or have low vision. But “birding-by-ear” is a completely different experience. It focuses on the sounds of the birds, rather than the sights. As Parks Victoria’s first volunteer guide who is legally blind, I have the unique opportunity to lead a sensory walk at Westgate Park, just 3 kms from Melbourne CBD. Emphasising inclusivity and the various ways people can connect with nature, ensures participants can fully experience the unique sensory aspects of Westgate Park.

I unearthed the wonders of nature in Victoria’s parks shortly after moving from Hobart to Melbourne in April 2018. Being vision impaired, I yearned to meet other people like me, and sought a community where I felt a sense of belonging. This wasn’t available to me in Tasmania because I didn’t know anyone with the same condition as me, Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), a degenerative eye disease that causes blindness.

In Melbourne, I discovered Blind Sports and Recreation Victoria (BSRV) and my life changed for the better. BSRV offers a whole range of activities including nature walking. Initially, walking didn’t appeal to me at all, since it was already a big part of my daily routine: walking to bus stops, train and tram stations, the shops … However, I soon realised that nature walking offered something different and exciting. Through Blind Sports, I participated in walks at various locations, including Coolart Wetlands, Cranbourne Gardens, Werribee Park Mansion, Herring Island, Yarra Bend, and Plenty Gorge. It was on one of these walks that I met Nita from Parks Victoria. She asked if I’d be interested in leading a sensory walk with Mip Grant, Community Engagement Ranger from Parks Victoria, and though unsure, I accepted the challenge.

After two orientation and planning sessions with Nita, study notes to learn on the history of the park, including First Nations and European history, more study notes on the flora and fauna of the area and an audio of the local birdsongs; the “Birding by Ear – Westgate Park Sensory Walk” was hatched and I was ready to go.

The walk focuses on listening and identifying bird calls, a unique way to experience nature for those with low or no vision. Naturally, there are other sensory offerings, from the breeze rustling through the trees to the varied textures and earthy smells of the bushland, ensuring every sense is engaged.

I led my first “Birding by Ear” walk in December 2023, and we have had four more since. These walks are inclusive, open to everyone, and advertised widely on the BSRV website and Events pages (links below). Upon registration, participants receive an online audio resource to help them identify 12 of the most common birds that call Westgate Park home. We’ve also introduced two fun activities; a bird call quiz and a mindfulness session. The quiz is self-explanatory, so it pays to listen and learn the bird songs on the audio for those participants who have a competitive nature. But be warned; there are no prizes!

During our mindfulness session, we focus on deep breathing and listening to bird calls. Often, I highlight the other senses, such as feeling the gentle breeze on our faces and the aroma of the eucalypts. After the session, participants are given an opportunity to share their feelings and experiences. Many of the sighted participants report a full and sometimes overwhelming sensory feeling that they haven’t experienced before.

Being in nature has significant mental health benefits, especially for those with low vision who may struggle with depression. I’ve witnessed firsthand how mood lifts during our walks. Participants often start the walk feeling low but leave uplifted, having enjoyed the fresh air, the sounds of birds, and the camaraderie of the group.

Leading these sensory walks is an empowering experience, demonstrating that everyone can enjoy and connect with nature, regardless of their level of vision. Join us at Westgate Park and discover the joy of “Birding by Ear.”

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Author bio and social media handles

I live in Melbourne, Victoria. I enjoy writing blogs for my website at pinholecentral.com, speaking French and playing the harp. As an ambassador for Blind Sports and Recreation Victoria, I feel privileged to be able to advocate, mentor and create awareness about vision loss. My position also enables me to try many different sporting and recreation pursuits, and encourage others to do the same. I attend a local toastmaster’s meeting once a fortnight that gives me an opportunity to create further awareness about vision loss; a topic that is close to my heart given our aging population which will contribute to a 25 percent increase in age related blindness by the end of this decade.

https://www.nationaltribune.com.au/birding-by-ear-guided-walk-in-westgate-park-to-take-flight/