Hi, folks - I'm looking for suggestions for good places to go birding that are 
wheelchair accessible. I've been a casual birder and amateur naturalist for most of 
my almost 50 years. Unfortunately, a couple years ago I was diagnosed with ALS 
(Lou Gehrig's disease). Although I can still walk with help of a walker, I'm going to be 
getting a power wheelchair pretty soon. Needless to say, my handicap has severely 
limited my ability to go birding, as I can no longer walk on even slightly irregular 
terrain. I've been able to use a manual wheelchair in some spots, like the boardwalk 
at Huntley Meadows and parts of the C&O towpath. 

While watching passing migrants from my deck in suburban Silver Spring is fun, I'd 
still like to get out and see things that don't normally show up in my back yard - 
shorebirds, raptors, lapwings, etc. Can anyone suggest some good MD, VA and DC 
spots that are an easy drive from Silver Spring, might have handicapped parking, 
and have level access (not necessarily paved, just not up or down really steep 
grades) to good viewing areas? On-site, accessible toilets are a good thing, too - I 
can't hide in the bushes anymore! 

As I get around to visit these places, I'm planning on trying to compile a list of 
accessible birding spots in the DC Area for the MOS and ANS to have on file for 
other birders who can't scramble down the trail at Calvert Cliffs anymore… Please 
send any replies to my email: 
Thanks!