Birds are beautiful, colourful, intelligent animals and are very much part of our daily lives if we choose to actively seek them. This is one of the reasons why birdwatching is one of the best activities to try out during your free time. It can be an amazing delight to get to know the birds around you better, and it also has physical, mental, social, and even environmental benefits.
In this article, I will list down 10 great benefits of birdwatching, and why you should not hesitate to begin your own birdwatching journey today.
If you’re new to my website or don’t have time to read this article, consider the video above as your official introduction to the interesting world of birdwatching.
#1. Birdwatching gets you to spend time outdoors
If you want to see birds, you need to meet them in their element – outdoors.
One of the best things about birdwatching is that it gets you to spend more time outdoors. This is especially beneficial if you live in a city and rarely get to experience nature firsthand. Birdwatching can help you appreciate nature more and also motivate you to venture out more often.
Being out of your home and closer to nature is also proven to be beneficial for your mental health and well-being, and has been shown to help reduce stress levels significantly.
#2. Birdwatching can be done anywhere
Birdwatching can be done anywhere, and this is one of the reasons why it’s so popular. whether you’re in the big city, the suburbs, by the ocean, or in the countryside, there will always be local birds roaming the area.
There are plenty of birdwatching spots wherever you are in the world, so rest assured you’ll never run out of new places to explore.
#3. Birdwatching is economical
Unlike other hobbies such as golfing or fishing, birdwatching doesn’t require you to purchase any special equipment or clothing. All you really need is a pair of binoculars to start. Chances are you might already have a pair laying around, especially if you often frequent the great outdoors.
You can also find many birdwatching resources online for free, such as websites, social media groups, bird identification apps, and more. Once you have these basics, you can enjoy birdwatching for years to come without having to spend extra money.
The best part? The main attraction is absolutely free!
#4. Birdwatching can lead to more social interaction
One of the great things about birdwatching is that it can help you connect with other bird enthusiasts. This can be in the form of your local birding club, birding social media groups, or just meeting other birdwatchers at your favourite birdwatching spots.
This increased social interaction can be a great way to make new friends, learn new things, and have more fun birding together. It can also help build a support network for when you’re out on a birdwatching trip and need help identifying a bird.
#5. Birdwatching is great mental exercise
Birdwatching can be a great way to keep your mind active and healthy, especially as you get older. It can help improve focus, increase your long-term memory retention, and improve your overall cognitive function.
On top of that, birdwatching promotes a sense of calmness and peace, a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of everyday routine, and can be treated as a form of active meditation.
#6. Birdwatching can get you physically fit
Looking for birds gets you outside in the fresh air and gets you moving. Even just walking around at an easy pace is far better for your health than sitting at a desk for hours.
If you’re looking for a way to get some exercise without having to go to the gym, then birdwatching is a great option for you. A typical birdwatching session can involve a lot of walking, so it’s a good way to get some cardio in. So don’t be surprised if birdwatching helps improve your overall physical health in the long run.
#7. Birdwatching is a flexible hobby
The great thing about birdwatching is that it’s a very versatile hobby – you can do it anywhere, anytime, and for any length of time. Whether you have 5 minutes or 5 hours to spare, birdwatching is a great way to spend your time.
Also, you don’t need to be out in the wilderness to start bird-watching. Opportunities to spot birds are everywhere, even in your own backyard.
#8. Birdwatching can spark other interests
Birdwatching can also be a gateway to other interests. If you’re like me, you might find yourself wanting to further pursue your passion for ornithology, or lean towards exploring different parts of the natural world such as flowers, trees, or insects.
Birdwatching can also introduce you to other nature-related hobbies related to nature, such as photography, hiking, camping, and gardening. Indeed, Birdwatching is a slow but sure form of self-discovery.
#9. Birdwatching connects you with nature
When birdwatching, you’re not just looking at birds, you’re also looking at their environment and how they interact with it. This can help you learn more about the natural world and how all the pieces of a thriving ecosystem connect and serve a purpose that if not fulfilled, can affect all of us.
This connection with nature can also be spiritually nourishing, providing a sense of peace and connectedness that can be hard to find in everyday life. Birdwatching fosters a greater sense of respect and appreciation for the natural world.
#10. Birding helps us to be rnvironmentally aware
Birdwatching enables us to witness the delicate balance of nature and how even the smallest change can have a ripple effect on the ecosystem.
For example, observing the path of migratory birds and how these paths change over the years can give you a better understanding of how climate change is affecting our environment.
This increased knowledge can help foster a greater appreciation and understanding of nature, which is an important step in protecting it. Birds bring a new perspective on our responsibility to protect the Earth.
We hope this article has inspired you to start your birdwatching journey! If you are already an avid birdwatcher, I highly recommend you join one of my upcoming safaris.
Happy birdwatching!
