Queer birding in Urdaibai? Yass, girl.
By now you know that observing and studying birds in their natural habitat is an activity that is gaining more and more followers every day. Known internationally as ‘Birding’, the community of ‘birdwatchers’ or ‘birders’ seek to identify and record different species of birds: we see them, note them and study their defining characteristics and how they behave. Mission accomplished!
In recent years, birding has gained many fans among the queer community. But not in all cases is there an inclusive and open space that allows everyone to connect with nature and explore the diversity that does exist in the natural world. Because birding should be -like any other recreational activity- a space where you can share your passion for that activity, no matter what your sexual orientation or gender identity is.
Queer birding tour in Izkira
For this reason, within the LGTBIQ+ community, specific events and groups dedicated to birdwatching have been generated. Queer birding thus combines the passion and fascination for birds with moments of connection, recreation and friendship with other queer people. Therefore, in Izkira Urdaibai we consider that birding in Urdaibai is a way to live our love for nature and birds. But also a great way to promote inclusion and diversity. That is why we have created our
Queer Birding tour,
to tour Urdaibai practicing inclusive and free birding.
The tour will take us sailing through a space of unique beauty, the Biosphere Reserve of Urdaibai. In it, we will enjoy the fabulous landscapes of the marsh, the coast and the estuary, while we play to identify a lot of species and their behaviors. We will observe resident birds that live all year round in Urdaibai, but also migrating species, stopping on their journey to gather strength in this backwater, or even to raise their young in this natural paradise of Biscay. An unforgettable birding experience for the LGTBIQ+ community in an inclusive tour inspired by the diversity of nature.
Homosexuality in birds
Diversity is the key word. Because the truth is that many birds around the world exhibit a variety of homosexual behaviors. Logically, ornithologists, biologists, naturalists and other experts know them perfectly well. The ‘animal homosexuality’ that can be observed in different species is a phenomenon in which we identify same-sex partners in behaviors normally associated with mating and reproduction.
For example, in Western Europe, pairs of common flamingos(Phoenicopterus roseus) of the same sex can be seen courting and caring for nests, even if they are not the parents of the chicks. These fabulous waterfowl are famous for having a strong sense of community.
Another example is the lesser kestrel (Falco naumanni) or Naumann belatza in Basque. This small migratory hawk often forms same-sex pairs that share the tasks of building the nest and caring for the chicks. Full family equality.
In Urdaibai, to mention just one species, we can observe seagulls. Homosexual behavior has also been observed among them, challenging traditional beliefs about reproduction and sexuality in animals. As always, animals have a lot to teach us: social and emotional relationships among them are also complex.
