Why Bird watching Should Be on Your Bucket List

Table of Contents

Introduction

If you’re a bird watcher, then you know the feeling of spotting one of these feathered friends. It’s like a drug; once you get a taste of it, you’ll never want to go back. But what if you have yet to experience that intense rush? Well, I’m here to tell you that there are plenty of reasons why bird-watching should be on your bucket list. So grab your binoculars and let’s dive into this wonderful hobby together!

10 Reasons to start bird-watching

It’s a hobby that is good for the soul.

Bird watching is a hobby that is good for the soul. It has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, help you focus on the present moment, connect with nature, connect with other people and even help you connect with yourself.

Being in nature and observing the beauty of birds helps to bring a sense of peace and calm, and can be a source of enjoyment and personal fulfillment. Bird watching can also be a way to connect with others who share your interest, and can help you learn more about the natural world and the importance of conservation.

Increased physical activity

Bird watching can be a physically active hobby, depending on how you choose to do it. Many birdwatchers enjoy walking or hiking through natural areas to observe birds, which can be a good form of exercise. Bird watching can also involve more strenuous activities such as climbing hills or mountains to get to a good viewing spot, or paddling a canoe or kayak to access birds in wetlands or along coastlines. Even if you don’t engage in these more strenuous activities, simply walking around to look for birds can help to increase your physical activity level. Overall, bird watching can be a good way to incorporate more physical activity into your life in a fun and enjoyable way.

Improved knowledge and understanding of the natural world

One of the potential benefits of bird watching is that it can help you learn more about the natural world and improve your understanding of the environment. By observing and studying birds and their behaviors, you can learn about different species of birds, their habitats, and their ecological roles. You may also learn about the various factors that can impact bird populations, such as habitat loss, climate change, and other environmental issues. Additionally, bird watching can provide an opportunity to learn about the natural history of the area you are visiting and can help you gain a greater appreciation for the beauty and diversity of the natural world. Overall, bird watching can be a great way to deepen your knowledge and understanding of the natural world.

Improved concentration and observation skills

Bird watching can help improve your concentration and observation skills. When you’re out bird watching, you need to pay close attention to your surroundings and look for birds, which requires concentration and focus. You may also need to observe birds closely in order to identify them, which requires good observation skills. By practicing these skills on a regular basis, you can improve your ability to concentrate and observe more effectively, which can be useful in other areas of your life as well. Overall, bird watching can be a great way to exercise and improve your concentration and observation skills in a fun and enjoyable way.

It will get you out of your shell

Bird watching can be a great way to meet people, learn new things and gain confidence in your own abilities. If you’re nervous about making new friends, bird-watching may just be the thing for you. You’ll find yourself interacting with other bird-watchers who are enthusiastic about sharing their passion for birds with others. You’ll also be able to share in their excitement when spotting a rare species or spotting one of your favorite birds out of season at a time when it’s not expected to be there.

It teaches you to appreciate small things

You may have heard the phrase, “The journey is more important than the destination.” This is so true and applies to many aspects of life, but especially in bird watching. When you’re out bird watching, you may be surprised at how much you can learn and appreciate by simply observing and studying birds and their behaviors. Many birdwatchers are struck by the beauty and diversity of different species of birds, and the intricate details of their feathers, songs, and behaviors. By focusing on these small but beautiful aspects of nature, bird watching can help you cultivate a sense of wonder and appreciation for the world around you.

You’ll enjoy life more!

As with any hobby that you enjoy, birding can help you enjoy life more. You might find being in nature and observing birds a relaxing and enjoyable activity that brings a sense of peace and fulfillment. It can be a great way to spend time with friends or family and can be a fun and rewarding hobby that you can pursue on your own or with a group. Additionally, the act of bird watching can help you focus on the present moment and appreciate the beauty and wonder of the natural world, which can contribute to a greater sense of overall well-being and enjoyment of life.

It’s an inexpensive hobby

One of the best things is that is an inexpensive hobby. You can start with binoculars and a bird book, then move on to joining a bird-watching club or taking guided tours. It’s one of the most popular hobbies —and it doesn’t cost much to get started!

It teaches you how to be patient

Bird watching is a great way to learn how to be patient. You have to wait for the right moment, when the bird shows itself, or at least when it’s in flight. And if you’re trying to get a photo of a bird in flight, it can take several attempts before you get the right shot. This teaches us that there’s no point in rushing things and instead we should enjoy every moment while we wait patiently for what we want.

Contribution to conservation

Bird watching can be a way to support conservation efforts in a number of ways. Many birdwatchers are passionate about protecting bird habitats and advocating for the conservation of threatened species and may participate in activities such as habitat restoration, habitat protection, and advocacy efforts. Some may also donate money to conservation organizations or volunteer their time to help with conservation efforts. By participating in these types of activities, birdwatchers can help to raise awareness about the importance of conserving birds and their habitats and can make a positive impact on the natural world.

What do you need to start birding?

You don’t need much to start birding, but there are a few things that will help you get started:

A good pair of binoculars

A guidebook

Some bird identification books

A field guide app for your phone

And a good hat for the hot sun!

Additionally, there are many great resources available for those interested in birdwatching. Here are a few suggestions:

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology: This organization offers a wealth of resources for birdwatchers, including identification guides, bird songs and calls, and information on how to attract birds to your backyard.

Visit their website for more info: www.birds.cornell.edu

Audubon: This organization has a network of local chapters that offer guided bird walks and other events for birdwatchers. They also have a number of online resources, including identification guides and information on conservation.

Visit their website for more info: www.audubon.org

eBird: This online platform, run by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society, allows birdwatchers to keep track of their sightings and contribute to a global database of bird observations.

Visit their website for more info: www.ebird.org/home

Birding apps: There are a number of smartphone apps available that can help with bird identification and provide other useful information for birdwatchers. Some popular options include iBird, Merlin Bird ID, and eBird.
Local birding clubs: Many cities and towns have local birding clubs that organize bird walks and other events. Joining a club is a great way to meet other birdwatchers and learn more about birds in your area.

Conclusion

Bird watching is a fun and exciting hobby that anyone can enjoy. It is an activity that you can do anywhere, at any time, and with friends or alone. Bird-watching can be done for free or with the help of an expert guide. It’s also a great way to spend time outdoors!

There are so many reasons to get into bird watching. It’s a hobby that is good for your soul, it will get you out of your shell, it teaches you to appreciate small things, it’s an inexpensive hobby, and teaches patience.

If you want to try something new or just have some extra time on your hands then why not give bird watching a go?