Bringing the Bird Side of Life to All: Birdfy’s Breakthrough at the 2025 Biggest Week

May 2025 | Oak Harbor, Ohio — At the heart of the 2025 Biggest Week in American Birding, Birdfy once again proved it’s more than a smart bird feeder brand — it’s a movement redefining what it means to be a birder in today’s world.

Represented by Birdfy Brand Ambassador Gary Herritz, who is also a wildlife photographer and Birdability Captain, brought not only its product innovation but also its vision of inclusive, accessible birding to thousands of festival-goers. As the only smart birding brand on-site, Birdfy captured attention not just through technology — but through human connection.

Accessibility in Birding

Gary, a nomadic birder and disability advocate, has dedicated his life to making nature accessible to everyone. Through Birdfy’s partnership with Birdability — a nonprofit promoting inclusive birding experiences for people with mobility challenges, chronic illnesses, or neurodivergence — Birdfy shares the same deep-rooted belief: birding should be for everyone.

Birdfy and Birdability first connected at the 2024 Biggest Week in American Birding (BWIAB), where their shared values sparked an ongoing and fruitful collaboration. Since then, both have worked closely to ensure that birding isn’t just a hobby for the able-bodied or well-resourced, but an open and enriching activity for people of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities.

With Birdability’s mission and Birdfy’s technology, birding becomes easier and more joyful — even for those who may not be able to venture outdoors. Together, they are reshaping public perceptions of who qualifies as a “real birder.”

In a recent Birdfy × Birdability webinar, Stephen Moss — Birdfy’s Global Consultant and a renowned UK nature writer, broadcaster, wildlife televesion producer — addressed this shift:

“I often hear people, especially older women, say ‘I’m not a birder, I just watch birds in my backyard.’ But that’s exactly what a birder is.” Moss reflected on how birding has shifted from being a male-dominated, high-barrier hobby to one that is welcoming, affordable, and diverse — thanks in part to brands like Birdfy and tools like the Merlin Bird ID App.

He added:

“Birdfy empowers anyone — no matter their background or ability — to enjoy birds up close, to learn, and to share. That’s real accessibility. And as more people participate, the movement grows stronger.”

Gary, with his exceptional birding expertise, photographic talent, and warm, genuine character, has become a trusted and recognizable face for Birdfy at major events across the U.S. He has proudly represented the brand at CES, the San Diego Bird Festival, and most recently, the Biggest Week in American Birding — consistently sharing Birdfy’s mission with a wide range of welfare-focused and inclusive audiences.

Through his unwavering dedication, Gary has brought the joy of birding to people from all walks of life, showing that birdwatching isn't just for seasoned experts — it's a lifestyle that anyone can embrace. With Birdfy’s intuitive technology, there's no need for advanced knowledge or specialized equipment. All you need is a love for birds and a curiosity about the world outside your window. As Gary puts it, "The more people who experience (or enjoy) birds, the better the world becomes."

Gary’s heartfelt outreach has deepened the bond between Birdfy and its growing community, showing how birding — when made truly accessible — can be a gateway to richer, more joyful connections with both nature and each other.

Technology with Heart

Thanks to Gary’s expertise and heartfelt presence, Birdfy reached new heights at this year’s Biggest Week in American Birding.

Birdfy’s booth wasn’t just about showcasing products — it was about building trust, sparking joy, and creating meaningful connections. Festival-goers of all ages and abilities stopped by to explore Birdfy’s latest innovations: the Birdfy Feeder 2 Pro, the elegant and eco-conscious Birdfy Feeder Bamboo, and the smart, thoughtfully designed Birdfy Nest Polygon. Every product on display attracted enthusiastic interest — not only for its features but also for the care and intention behind its design.

Many attendees expressed their appreciation for Birdfy’s thoughtful approach, repeatedly describing it as a brand that truly “cares.” For them, Birdfy stood out not just for its smart technology, but for the sincerity and professionalism embodied by team members like Gary. His deep bird knowledge, approachable style, and heartfelt engagement made visitors feel seen, heard, and inspired.

Some visitors were attending the festival for the first time, while others returned specifically to reconnect with Gary — having met him at events like the San Diego Bird Festival. Their stories echoed a shared sentiment: Birdfy listens.

The energy throughout the event was electric, especially in the late afternoons when food and raffle events drew the largest crowds. As the only smart birding brand onsite, Birdfy naturally stood out — attracting thousands of curious and passionate bird lovers.

“Many people stopped by to learn about Birdfy while waiting in line or enjoying their meals,” Gary recalled. “Several even recognized me from previous events — and those kinds of relationships are what turn casual interest into lasting community.”

Building Community Through Conversation

During the festival, Gary was honored with the Golden Hat — a recognition given to all official trip leaders at the Biggest Week. These hats not only acknowledge the guides' contributions but also help attendees easily identify them for questions or support throughout the event.

As a Birdability Captain and long-time advocate for inclusive outdoor experiences, Gary brought his unique perspective to the tours he led — ensuring that birding felt welcoming and accessible to individuals of all abilities and backgrounds. His presence on the ground reminded attendees that birding isn't reserved for experts or the physically able — it’s a joyful, shared experience that truly belongs to everyone.

These guided outings weren’t just about spotting birds — they were about opening doors. Many participants shared that it was their first time joining a birding event, and it completely shifted how they saw the hobby. Through Gary’s patient guidance and lived experience, attendees discovered that birding doesn’t require deep expertise, expensive gear, or perfect physical health — just a love for birds and a way to connect.

Paired with Birdfy’s intuitive technology, these experiences took on new meaning. For those who may not always be able to venture outdoors or join large groups, Birdfy’s smart feeders brought nature closer, creating daily moments of joy and discovery right from their own backyard or window.

Gary’s role was more than that of a guide — he became a storyteller, educator, and bridge between community and technology. In his words and actions, festival-goers saw a simple truth: birding is not a privilege, but a shared joy — and Birdfy is here to help make it possible for everyone.

Looking Ahead: Innovation with Inclusion

As Birdfy looks to the future, it continues to champion a simple yet transformative belief: the more people who watch birds, the better the world becomes.

Rooted in the spirit of pioneering technology, driven by a deep love for birds and people, and fueled by the joy of discovery, Birdfy is redefining what birding can be in the modern world. From enabling backyard joy through smart feeders to leading accessible bird walks in collaboration with organizations like Birdability, Birdfy is making birding more inclusive, meaningful, and fun — for everyone, everywhere.

Guided by our vision of "the bird side of life," Birdfy is not just following trends — we’re setting them. We’re committed to expanding what’s possible in the birding space, listening to our community, and creating tools that connect people to birds — and to each other.

Birdfy will proudly return to the Biggest Week in American Birding in 2026, with even more innovations, stories, and ways to inspire people to see birding not just as a hobby, but as a lifestyle — accessible, emotional, and full of wonder.