The Benefits of Birdwatching: 4 Reasons It’s More Than a Hobby

When mentioning birdwatching, people often think of crazy fanatics who keep hundreds of sightings journals and travel the world for the rarest of species.

But what if I told you it's not just simply an obsession? There's a grey area where the casual and hardcore bird enthusiasts have more in common than meets the eye.

Whether it's forging new meaningful relationships or expanding our own knowledge about life itself, nature provides many benefits to the human experience.

Here's the top four biggest reasons why birdwatching isn't only a hobby, but potentially a life-changing opportunity to improve mental health. It’s sure to get you into a flap!

Natural Therapy

We all know spending time in nature can reduce our stress levels and anxiety, but few ever talk about birdwatching.

Unlike other outdoor activities, birding requires us to be quiet and still for prolonged periods of time, like a form of active meditation. Even amateurs can find themselves completely immersed in the present, all senses tuned to the sights and sounds of the natural space.

Yet it doesn't end there, if inside a forested area, the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, can be embraced.

Shinrin-yoku is the practice of absorbing the natural atmosphere of a forest or natural environment, focusing on the sensory engagement to connect with nature. It's so important that doctors in Japan can prescribe this to patients who have low mental health.

Not to mention, birdwatching encourages us to gain a deeper relationship with the environment. By observing birds' vast array of behaviours and life patterns brings us closer to our natural roots, reminding ourselves that we aren't alone in our life's journey.

Contributing to Conservation Efforts

Do you wish that you could make a difference whilst relaxing by the beach? Well, look no further than citizen science.

Citizen science is the act of scientific research being conducted with the participation of the general public.

Organisations such as the BTO, (British Trust for Ornithology) and The Cornell Lab both have pages about citizen science with further information on how to get involved, including FAQ sections.

By contributing data on bird sightings and behaviour, scientists can then collect the facts more efficiently than would be possible otherwise.

Take for example, the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds), holds an annual weekend event called the Big Garden Birdwatch, where the public submit their observations to provide insights of how the UK's garden birds are faring.

Birding Gets Us Active

It's no secret that people love their TV. Sometimes too much. It's easy to stay comfy on the couch, bingeing our favourite shows or video games.

But what if there was a way to escape these digital traps and engage in something real that gets us moving instead?

When visiting places, new or familiar, they all have their own repository of species available, meaning upon going hiking or to a local park, there's always something to see.

Being outside with a purpose makes you not only more active and healthy, but can also encourage other hobbies, like photography or an exercise routine.

Sometimes, the most rewarding experiences are those worked hardest for.

Expanding Our Knowledge

At its core, birdwatching is an exercise in observation, but it goes beyond just sitting and staring at some animals from a distance.

Due to its multifaceted qualities, it also serves as a launch pad for continuous learning, one such example is what the pros call a 'jizz'.

A jizz is essentially a basic profile of any group of birds, based on its behaviours, calls, colour patterns, and so forth. Lifelong enthusiasts use this to quickly predict what family and species a given sighting is or could be.

Whilst not everyone may not be a 'pro', there's still an opportunity to learn from its concept of differentiating the various specific aspects of similar birds.

However, it challenges our minds beyond just being able to recognise a wood pigeon from a stock dove.

It teaches you to understand their migratory patterns, feeding habits, and even any potential environmental problems they face. This provides insights to the broader ecosystem's health and function.

Developing this knowledge opens doors that we didn't know about previously, such as a deeper scientific understanding of biodiversity and possibly interests in studying ornithology.

Another intriguing feature is the cultural significance of certain bird species. In some places, it is believed to be good luck if a pigeon poops on you!

Get Out There!

Birdwatching is more than just a pastime where people stare at grass all day. It's actually an awesome world of exploration, therapy, and science!

No matter if you're a casual observer or a master, remember that every breath in birdwatching is a step into broadening our horizons. An adventure is not just about seeing because experiencing is equally as meaningful.