Sit with the Birds at Brick Pond: An accessible birding event

Are you interested in birds? Is a long walk or hike not accessible for you? Are you curious to learn what stationary birding is? Join Naturalist Michelle Knuepfer for an afternoon of stationary birding at the Waterman Center’s new wheelchair-accessible observation platform at Brick Pond!

This beginner-friendly event is designed to be accessible for people with various disabilities; nondisabled people are welcome to attend as well. No previous knowledge is required. Just bring your excitement to observe and learn about birds!

When: Saturday, October 11th, 2025, 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Participants do not need to stay for the entire time.

Where: Brick Pond, 546 East Front Street, Owego, N.Y.

More information below.

Who: All ages are welcome.

How to Register: Click the registration button on this page.

Maximum attendance: 15 participants.

Cost: FREE, with a suggested donation of $5.

In the event of inclement weather, registered participants will be notified by 3 p.m. on Friday, October 10th, 2025. 

More Information

About the Meeting Location 

• We will utilize the wooden observation platform to the left of the parking area when facing Brick Pond.

• Participants are welcome to move about the platform during the event. 

• We will stay on or around the platform for the duration of the program.

What to Expect

• Stationary birding is a style of birding where you stay in one location to observe birds, rather than traveling along a route.

• We will be visually observing birds all across the pond, as well as birding by ear for birds that may be in the surrounding trees or neighborhood.

• Some common birds at this time of year include: Song Sparrow, Gray Catbird, Cedar Waxwing, and a variety of ducks, woodpeckers, and herons.

• We will be compiling an eBird list for the duration of the program. A copy of the list will be emailed to all participants.

What We Will Provide

• A spotting scope will be set up for participants to get a close-up view of the birds.

• Loaner binoculars will be available, with a quick tutorial provided for anyone new to using binoculars.

• Learn more! Shared field guides will be available from the Waterman Center library.

What to Bring With You 

• Sunscreen and/or Bug Spray

• Water

• A lawn chair or picnic blanket (limited wooden benches available)

• Binoculars, if you have them (not required - let us know if you need a loaner pair)

Contact Information

Have questions? Email Michelle at programs@watermancenter.org or call the Waterman Center at (607) 625-2221.

Facilities Notes:

• There is no restroom access at Brick Pond.

• The parking lot has 2 accessible parking spaces and 2 standard parking spaces, with additional space available in the grass beside the entrance loop. Street parking is also available. Carpooling is encouraged.

• Shade: While the platform itself is not shaded, there is partial shade from trees along the path from the parking area to the platform. There are full shade areas on the grass next to the sign and map kiosk.

• Surfaces: The parking lot and the path to the observation deck are stone dust surrounded by grass. The observation platform itself is wooden planks with less than ¼ inch gaps between boards.

Observation Platform: 

The entryway to the platform is 3 feet wide. The middle of the platform, when including the width taken up by the benches pictured below, is just over 7 feet wide. Not visible in this picture are the stairs leading from the platform down to the trail that goes around the pond. The railing around the edge of the platform is 3 feet high, with a section where the railing height is lowered to 30 inches. Below the railing are lines of horizontal cable rails all around the platform.

A video walkthrough of the platform with closer views and the history behind the project can be found here: https://youtu.be/BkizqDD8etw. Both this video and the picture above were taken before the addition of 2 wooden benches, which are shown below.