Birding Across America: Marcia OBara’s Inspiring Journey

In this episode of the Spark Bird podcast, hosts Jenn Lodi-Smith and Janet McNally welcome Marcia OBara, a retired registered nurse and avid birder. Marcia shares her inspiring journey of birding in all 50 states and recounts her Spark Bird moment in 1984 that ignited her passion for birding. Despite living with a severe lung disease, Marcia continues to lead accessible birding trips for the Tucson Audubon Society and other organizations. She discusses how the practice has evolved from field guides to apps, and why accessibility in birding matters now more than ever.

A photo by Freya McGregor. Taken in Tuscaloosa AL. Pictured are Freya, Marcia and Patrick Oaks (Freya’s husband)

Resources & Links from This Episode

🕊️ Tucson Bird Alliance – Learn more about Marcia's work with this organization and their commitment to accessible birding in Arizona: Visit Website

♿ Access Birding – A fantastic resource focused on making birding accessible for all: Explore Access Birding

🗺️ Birdability Map – Discover birding locations with accessibility features near you: View the Map

📚 Birds of the World – An extensive online resource from the Cornell Lab for bird research and identification: Explore Here

🛫 WINGS Birding Tours – Join expert-led birding tours around the world: Learn More

🌍 Victor Emanuel Nature Tours (VENT) – A global birding travel company offering inclusive and educational nature experiences: Visit VENT

🐦 Merlin Bird ID – Identify birds by photo, sound, or description with this powerful app from the Cornell Lab: Download Merlin

📱 eBird Mobile – Log your bird sightings and contribute to global bird science: Get the App

Show Notes by Kayla Gajewski