by Chris Bensley
I’ve always enjoyed exploring nature for its rejuvenation powers and aesthetic beauty. When I was younger, my goto activity was a run or a hike for the physical and mental benefits.
I remember my first outing to look for birds back in the 1990s. While birdwatching seemed cool, the hobby didn’t exactly stick. Despite Peter Alden's best efforts as a guide, I was overwhelmed by the sheer number and variety of birds, with their complex songs and calls. Pause 20 years.
Then I acquired something that can present itself later in life – a little patience. Rather than give up and let my ignorance intimidate me, I went back at it, with the gift of time (from Covid shutdown). I began to see and appreciate how birdwatching can invigorate you in ways that you never imagined!
For newbies to this hobby, I’d like to offer some reasons why the journey into birdwatching will provide many benefits – some that you probably didn’t realize – if you adopt a little persistence.
A Sense of Accomplishment
First of all, bird identification offers personal growth and achievement. Successfully identifying a new species, recognizing a rare bird, or mastering bird calls can bring deep satisfaction. It feels good to be able to say “Did you hear that Barred Owl?” or “Look at the Cedar Waxwing over there”. Birdwatching skills fosters curiosity and lifelong learning, as there is always something new to discover in the birding world. And it’s fun to note a milestone like identifying 200 different bird species on your “life list”.
Finding Community
Birdwatching is an activity that can be shared with others, creating opportunities for community and social engagement. In this polarized world, a love of birds and nature cuts across ideologies. On a field trip or coming across other birdwatchers, it’s fun to compare notes and help spot a bird.
Birdwatchers, even the most experienced, are always willing to teach and encourage!
Mental Health Benefits
Learning to identify birds provides significant cognitive stimulation. Remembering species characteristics, identifying bird calls, and understanding behaviors challenge the brain and improve memory function. With a little practice, you can quickly tell the difference between Downy Woodpecker and a Hairy Woodpecker or a Purple Finch and a House Finch. Studies have shown that engaging in activities like birdwatching can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Additionally, spending time outdoors, listening to birdsong, and focusing on nature promotes mindfulness and relaxation, which can help reduce stress and anxiety.
A Keen Sense of Awareness
Identifying birds requires a keen eye and sharp attention to detail. If you carefully look at the bird activity outdoors, you learn to notice subtle differences in size, shape, color patterns, and behavior. Over time, these observational skills translate into other areas of life, improving attention to detail and overall awareness of your surroundings. For example, through bird observation, I now want to improve my plant and animal species identification.
Lessons in Biodiversity
One of the most significant benefits of bird identification is gaining a deeper appreciation for biodiversity. You start to notice how birds interact with their habitats, the seasonal changes in their behavior, and the roles they play in the ecosystem. Think of Darwin, natural selection, and all the different types of finches. You can then understand how we need to protect bird populations and their natural habitats from disappearing, like we’ve done for the endangered Piping Plover.
Connection to the Changing Seasons
By observing when different species arrive and depart, birdwatchers gain a greater appreciation for the rhythms of nature. Each season brings new activity. This connection fosters a sense of anticipation and excitement throughout the year, as different seasons bring new birds to observe and identify. With spring migration upon us, I can’t wait to welcome Red-throated Hummingbirds back to our bird feeders.
Birdwatching is Easy to Do
Unlike many hobbies that require expensive equipment or extensive training, bird identification is accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds. With just a field guide, binoculars, or a mobile app, anyone can start learning about birds. It is a hobby that can be enjoyed in any area - urban, suburban, and rural. And if you enjoy travel like me, going to new locations brings you to unique species, like my first encounter with a Blue-footed Booby in the Galapagos. The learning opportunities are endless.
Get to Know Birds – this Spring!
There are so many ways to engage with birdwatching. One way that Iim going about it is to take the Spark Birding “MasterClass” with Peter Alden. Join us to sharpen you identification skills! MORE INFO. Whether you are just starting or have been birdwatching for years, every new species identified brings a sense of wonder and joy.