Pride in birding: Castlemaine Rainbow Birdwalk

Castlemaine Rainbow Birdwalk

On a cold autumn morning, a crowd gathered on Dja Dja Wurrung Country in Castlemaine for the inaugural Rainbow Birdwalk.

The sold-out event – which was awarded a BirdLife Australia Community Conservation Grant in 2024 – welcomed people who identify as LGBTQ+ and the allies who support them. A partnership between Connecting Country, Castlemaine Pride and BirdLife Castlemaine District, the Rainbow Birdwalk promoted inclusivity, accessibility and connection to nature in Central Victoria – while raising awareness of local woodland birds and citizen science efforts.

Held on IDAHOBIT Day – the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia – the event saw almost 40 participants of all ages and experiences flock from Castlemaine and surrounding towns, with some even travelling from as far as Melbourne. They met at Campbells Creek Trail: a wheelchair-friendly walking trail situated close to town and all-gender toilets, carefully chosen by the event organisers to ensure accessibility for all.

Led by staff and volunteers from Connecting Country, BirdLife Castlemaine District and BirdLife Australia, the beginner- and family-friendly walk was designed provide an inclusive introduction to woodland birds and birdwatching. Highlights included close-up views of Weebills, a Black-shouldered Kite hunting and a visit from a flock of Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos, followed by a delicious morning tea where participants could connect and shared their experiences.

The day was an overwhelming success, and for most participants, it was their first Connecting Country or BirdLife Castlemaine event. Importantly, the Rainbow Birdwalk provided a safe space for queer bird lovers and allies to feel welcome and connect with community and nature: one participant described it as the “meeting of my two worlds: my queer identity and my love of nature”.

While birdwatching hasn’t always been a welcoming or accessible activity in Australia, times are changing. As birdwatching continues to soar in popularity worldwide, more people are noticing birds and the many health benefits of birdwatching – and a shift towards a more diverse representation of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age and more is helping challenge long-held stereotypes of what makes a birder.

“Our partners…reminded us all that adventure is about the people you’re with, not the weather above you!” – Castlemaine Pride

By engaging, supporting and connecting diverse communities, initiatives like the Rainbow Birdwalk are breaking down barriers and helping more people feel seen, welcomed and represented in the birding world. And at a time in which anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination, vitriol and violence is only gaining in traction and volume around the world, such initiatives have never been more important – and are a powerful reminder that birds and birdwatching can – and should – be for everyone.

This event was made possible thanks to the collective efforts of Connecting Country, BirdLife Castlemaine District, Stak’s Café, The Good Op Shop and Castlemaine Pride.