{"id":4374,"date":"2023-06-01T15:51:07","date_gmt":"2023-06-01T08:51:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/the-benefits-of-bird-watching-are-behind-its-rise\/"},"modified":"2023-06-01T15:51:07","modified_gmt":"2023-06-01T08:51:07","slug":"the-benefits-of-bird-watching-are-behind-its-rise","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=4374","title":{"rendered":"The Benefits of Bird-Watching Are Behind Its Rise"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"drop-cap text-big text-gray\"> <span class=\"drop-cap__first text-dropcap \">G<\/span>rowing up, my mom was enamored with the birds in our backyard. Anytime a new feathered friend would appear, she would grab her binoculars and copy of <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FNational-Audubon-Society-Field-American%2Fdp%2F0679428526%3Ftag%3Dwgtrx10228-20%26asc_refurl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.wellandgood.com%252Fbenefits-bird-watching%252F%26asc_source%3Ddirect%26asc_campaign%3Dno-campaign&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fbenefits-bird-watching%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/National-Audubon-Society-Field-American\/dp\/0679428526\"><em>The Audubon Society Field Guide To North American Birds<\/em><\/a> to uncover everything she could about the chirpy visitor<em>. <\/em>Now, years later, <em>I\u2019m<\/em> the one shelling out a chunk of my paycheck in order to keep up with my in-demand backyard bird feeder.<\/div>\n<p>It seems as though many bird-watchers have their origin story\u2014the moment that made them say, \u201c<em>Yep, I get it.<\/em>\u201d For me, it was spotting what looked like a cute little penguin in the pond in my backyard. Considering I live far away from Antarctica, I knew creature couldn&#8217;t actually be a penguin, though. Turns out, it was a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/Bufflehead\/id\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.allaboutbirds.org\/guide\/Bufflehead\/id\">bufflehead duck<\/a>. But after that moment, I became hooked, and finally understood what the birding buzz was about.<\/p>\n<p>It didn\u2019t take long for me to purchase my very own copy of my mom\u2019s still-cherished field guide on eBay. Anytime a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/bluebird-meaning\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/bluebird-meaning\/\">new bird<\/a> graces my feeder, I immediately look it up, proudly text my mom, and add it to a list of sightings in my Notes app. While this new hobby sometimes makes me feel like the Pigeon Lady in <em>Home Alone 2<\/em>, I\u2019m one of millions who have taken up birding in recent years, and I&#8217;m happy to soak up the benefits of bird-watching.<\/p>\n<h2>The rise of bird-watching among younger folks is tied closely to its benefits<\/h2>\n<p>Bird-watching isn&#8217;t new at all, but there <em>is<\/em> a new generation of birders making the hobby more trendy and inclusive. Just look at the stats: On TikTok\u2014which draws its <a href=\"https:\/\/www.oberlo.com\/statistics\/tiktok-age-demographics#:~:text=According%20to%20recent%20research%20studying,750%20million%20TikTok%20users%20worldwide.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.oberlo.com\/statistics\/tiktok-age-demographics#:~:text=According%20to%20recent%20research%20studying,750%20million%20TikTok%20users%20worldwide.\">largest base of users from folks under 24<\/a>\u2014the hashtags <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/birdwatching?lang=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/birdwatching?lang=en\">#birdwatching<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/birding?lang=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/birding?lang=en\">#birding<\/a> have over 1B views and 212M views, respectively. There were also <a href=\"https:\/\/mailchi.mp\/cornell\/release-monster-results-for-great-backyard-bird-count-1329121?e=f0b505020c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/mailchi.mp\/cornell\/release-monster-results-for-great-backyard-bird-count-1329121?e=f0b505020c\">555,291 estimated global participants<\/a> in Cornell University&#8217;s 2023 Great Backyard Bird Count\u2014up 44 percent from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.birds.cornell.edu\/k12\/gbbc\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.birds.cornell.edu\/k12\/gbbc\/\">384,541<\/a> participants in 2022. Apps are seeing an increase too, with <a href=\"https:\/\/birda.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/birda.org\/\">Birda<\/a> reporting a monthly growth rate of 30 percent in signups.<\/p>\n<div class=\"related-content \" style=\"\" data-module-init=\"related-content\" data-module-immediate=\"\" v-cloak=\"\">\n<div class=\"related-content__wrapper \" v-cloak=\"\" :class=\"{'is-loaded':isLoaded}\">\n<p> <span class=\"inline pr-6 text-seafoam-dark\">Related Stories<\/span> <\/p>\n<p> <related-content class=\"related-content__links\" parent-article-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/benefits-bird-watching\/\" current-title=\"Grab Your Binoculars\u2014Bird-Watching Is Now a Gen Z-Approved Way To Unplug and Better Your Mental Health\" current-image=\"WG_Editorial_Birdwatching_feature.jpg\" v-on:parsely-posts-loaded=\"onPostsLoaded\" start-date=\"2022-11-30\" tag=\"div\" inline-template=\"\" url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/benefits-bird-watching\/\" secret=\"w5ztterVB03LGZJLfXS0hf3EvQBuFFIWew9hmVQxthU\" apikey=\"wellandgood.com\" limit=\"3\"> <\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"related-content__card mb-[10px] sm:mb-[20px]\" :class=\"{'related-content__card--full':posts.length === 1}\" v-for=\"(post, key) in posts\"> <a v-on:click.prevent=\"trackLinkGA($event, key)\" :href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/benefits-bird-watching\/post.url\" data-url-source=\"related-content\" class=\"related-content__link\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"\"> <\/p>\n<div class=\"related-content__card--image bg-tan\" :style=\"{ backgroundImage: 'url(' + post.image_url + ')' }\"> <img :src=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/benefits-bird-watching\/post.image_url\" :alt=\"post.title\"\/> <\/div>\n<p> <\/a>  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p> <\/related-content> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The mental-health benefits of bird-watching are a huge part of its appeal for younger generations, says <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/birdgirluk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/birdgirluk\/\">Mya-Rose Craig<\/a>, a 20-year-old British-Bangladeshi birder and author of <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FBirdgirl-Looking-Search-Better-Future-ebook%2Fdp%2FB09Y465G8Y%3Ftag%3Dwgtrx10228-20%26asc_refurl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.wellandgood.com%252Fbenefits-bird-watching%252F%26asc_source%3Ddirect%26asc_campaign%3Dno-campaign&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fbenefits-bird-watching%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Birdgirl-Looking-Search-Better-Future-ebook\/dp\/B09Y465G8Y\"><em>Birdgirl<\/em><\/a> who has been birding her entire life.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think Gen Z are getting more and more into birding to help alleviate the stresses of living in a digital world,\u201d Craig says. \u201cThere are a high number of children and young people impacted by anxiety, stress, and depression, as well as a disproportionately high number of people of color. So, connecting with birds is a type of mindfulness to help distract and calm your mind.\u201d<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>During my first few birding trips, I noticed that all the pent-up stress I had before my outing had totally dissolved by the time I made it back out to my car.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>There\u2019s strong evidence to support the mental health benefits of bird-watching. A study published in <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.skimresources.com%3Fid%3D104860X1561639%26xs%3D1%26xcust%3DSTMSLS-1068595%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.nature.com%252Farticles%252Fs41598-022-20207-6&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fbenefits-bird-watching%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41598-022-20207-6\"><em>Scientific Reports<\/em><\/a> found simply seeing or hearing birds was associated with an improvement of mental well-being for up to eight hours. Another study published in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0921800920322084\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0921800920322084\"><em>Ecological Economics<\/em><\/a> found being around birds was linked to higher happiness levels. So much so that even an additional <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedaily.com\/releases\/2020\/12\/201204110246.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedaily.com\/releases\/2020\/12\/201204110246.htm\">10 percent of bird species<\/a> in the vicinity increased participants&#8217; life satisfaction as much as a comparable increase in income.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve enjoyed the stress-relief perks of bird-watching myself. During my first few birding trips, I noticed that all the pent-up stress I had before my outing had totally dissolved by the time I made it back out to my car. That sense of happiness and calm typically lasts for hours, even surpassing the effects of my daily meditations.<\/p>\n<p>This is no surprise to <a href=\"https:\/\/ornitherapy.com\/whyus\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/ornitherapy.com\/whyus\">Holly Merker<\/a>, a professional birding guide, environmental educator, and author of <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FOrnitherapy-Your-Mind-Body-Soul%2Fdp%2F057882793X%2F%3Ftag%3Dwgtrx10228-20%26asc_refurl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.wellandgood.com%252Fbenefits-bird-watching%252F%26asc_source%3Ddirect%26asc_campaign%3Dno-campaign&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fbenefits-bird-watching%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Ornitherapy-Your-Mind-Body-Soul\/dp\/057882793X\/\"><em>Ornitherapy<\/em><\/a>. \u201cI\u2019ve noticed more people are turning to bird-watching as a form of self care for mental well-being,\u201d she says. \u201cWhether this be intentional or a beneficial byproduct of turning our attention toward wild birds as casual observers, the multitude of benefits for our mental well-being are being accessed by more and more people as they discover just how easy and fun it can be to watch birds right outside their own windows or doors.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>Birds of a feather are able to bird-watch together<\/h2>\n<p>Legacy organizations like the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.audubon.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.audubon.org\/\">Audubon Society<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aba.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.aba.org\/\">American Birding Association<\/a> have existed for decades to help raise awareness of birds and protect their habitats. (Although the former is grappling with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2023\/03\/18\/1164293652\/audubon-faces-a-backlash-after-deciding-to-keep-name-that-evokes-a-racist-enslav\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2023\/03\/18\/1164293652\/audubon-faces-a-backlash-after-deciding-to-keep-name-that-evokes-a-racist-enslav\">legacy of racism<\/a> from its namesake.) But new groups are making strides in ensuring the hobby is more inclusive\u2014something that\u2019s enabled more individuals to get outside and experience the magic for themselves.<\/p>\n<p>Three such organizations include the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.feministbirdclub.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.feministbirdclub.org\/\">Feminist Bird Club<\/a>, a birding club for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), and women, established in 2016; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flocktogether.world\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.flocktogether.world\/\">Flock Together<\/a>, a UK bird-watching collective for people of color to help marginalized communities reclaim green spaces and rebuild their relationship with nature that was borne during the pandemic; and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.birdability.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.birdability.org\/\">Birdability<\/a>, an organization that strives to bring birding to everyone, regardless of disability or other health concerns.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.birdability.org\/who-we-are#\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.birdability.org\/who-we-are#\">Virginia Rose<\/a> says she founded Birdability unofficially in 2018, and it became a 501c3 in January 2022. \u201cI started birding when I was 44 and quickly realized that I was finding my best self on the trails and happier than I&#8217;d ever been. I also realized that after 20 years of birding, I had seen very, very few disabled people. Where were they?\u201d she says. \u201cI decided that they must just not know about birding, and I decided to find them and introduce them to birding so they, too, could find their greatest happiness. Birdability\u2019s mission is to introduce people who have disabilities and other health concerns to birding, to ensure that birding locations are physically accessible, and birding communities are welcoming and inclusive.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>A small start can lead to big rewards<\/h2>\n<p>It&#8217;s no surprise that birding\u2019s rise in popularity has also come with a high-tech makeover. Want to upgrade your bird feeder? No problem: There\u2019s now a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@mybirdbuddy\/video\/7154294902598241542?lang=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@mybirdbuddy\/video\/7154294902598241542?lang=en\">TikTok-viral<\/a>, AI-powered camera option from <a href=\"https:\/\/mybirdbuddy.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/mybirdbuddy.com\/\">Bird Buddy<\/a> ($199 and up) that captures adorable photos of your feathered friends while helping you ID them. That means you\u2019ll never miss a special visitor while you\u2019re away. The \u201ccool\u201d factor has even come to binoculars, with <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.skimresources.com%3Fid%3D104860X1561639%26xs%3D1%26xcust%3DSTMSLS-1068595%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.nocsprovisions.com%252F&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fbenefits-bird-watching%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.nocsprovisions.com\/\">Nocs Provisions<\/a>\u2019 brightly hued pairs often spotted in the hands of Gen Z birders. (I even got a pair myself, and they\u2019re very much worth the hype.)<\/p>\n<p>But Craig and Rose both say that birding is something that anyone can do from wherever they are, adding to its enduring appeal. While you certainly can buy fancy binoculars or schlep out to wildlife sanctuaries on the weekends, all you <em>really<\/em> need to get started is access to birds\u2014which can happen in your backyard, at a local park, or even on a jaunt around the neighborhood.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s really amazing how much is going on around you that is interesting and enriching, and sadly can go unnoticed when we\u2019re swept up in the busyness of thoughts or modern life.\u201d \u2014Julie Geeting, LPC, counselor and well-being coach<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Merker adds that you don\u2019t need to know anything about birds in order to benefit from what they offer us. \u201cWhen we turn our attention toward noticing birds and nature, we engage different areas of our brains, which allow us to tune into something else, shifting the focus off what is in our minds\u2014a distraction by birds, noticing their behaviors, songs or noises, flight. This helps clear our minds, bringing us into the present moment through the birds,\u201d she says. \u201cThis is an easy way to practice mindfulness, and aids a change of our mental channel.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.palmhealth.com\/our-team\/julie-geeting-lpc-ncc\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.palmhealth.com\/our-team\/julie-geeting-lpc-ncc\/\">Julie Geeting, LPC<\/a>, a counselor and well-being coach at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.palmhealth.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.palmhealth.com\/\">PALM Health<\/a> in Missouri, says reaping all the benefits of bird-watching is easy. \u201cStart small, if you like, spending five minutes one morning outside,\u201d she suggests. \u201cIt\u2019s really amazing how much is going on around you that is interesting and enriching, and sadly can go unnoticed when we\u2019re swept up in the busyness of thoughts or modern life.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>How to get started on your birding journey<\/h2>\n<h3>1. Grab some gear, if you want<\/h3>\n<p>While you don\u2019t need anything but yourself to bird, <a href=\"https:\/\/biology.wustl.edu\/people\/joan-strassmann\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/biology.wustl.edu\/people\/joan-strassmann\">Joan E. Strassmann, PhD<\/a>, author of <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSlow-Birding-Science-Enjoying-Backyard%2Fdp%2F0593329929%3Ftag%3Dwgtrx10228-20%26asc_refurl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.wellandgood.com%252Fbenefits-bird-watching%252F%26asc_source%3Ddirect%26asc_campaign%3Dno-campaign&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fbenefits-bird-watching%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Slow-Birding-Science-Enjoying-Backyard\/dp\/0593329929\"><em>Slow Birding<\/em><\/a> and the Charles Rebstock Professor of Biology at the Washington University in St. Louis, says you may want to get a pair of binoculars to get a closer look. Check your local thrift store (or scan online) for a secondhand pair, or opt for something new. <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.skimresources.com%3Fid%3D104860X1561639%26xs%3D1%26xcust%3DSTMSLS-1068595%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.nocsprovisions.com%252Fproducts%252Ffield-issue&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fbenefits-bird-watching%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.nocsprovisions.com\/products\/field-issue\">Nocs Field Issue binoculars<\/a> ($175) are lightweight, waterproof, and fog-proof, and were made to accommodate smartphone photography through the lens.<\/p>\n<p>Downloading an app or purchasing a book can also be helpful as you\u2019re learning different species of birds. \u201cDownload the free <a href=\"https:\/\/www.audubon.org\/app\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.audubon.org\/app\">Audubon Bird Guide App<\/a>,\u201d says Craig. \u201cAlso, look in thrift shops for a North American bird field guide book, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSibley-Guide-Birds-2nd%2Fdp%2F030795790X%3Ftag%3Dwgtrx10228-20%26asc_refurl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.wellandgood.com%252Fbenefits-bird-watching%252F%26asc_source%3Ddirect%26asc_campaign%3Dno-campaign&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fbenefits-bird-watching%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Sibley-Guide-Birds-2nd\/dp\/030795790X\"><em>The Sibley Guide to Birds<\/em><\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FNational-Geographic-Field-Guide-America%2Fdp%2F1426218354%2F%3Ftag%3Dwgtrx10228-20%26asc_refurl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.wellandgood.com%252Fbenefits-bird-watching%252F%26asc_source%3Ddirect%26asc_campaign%3Dno-campaign&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fbenefits-bird-watching%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/National-Geographic-Field-Guide-America\/dp\/1426218354\/\"><em>National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America<\/em><\/a>, both of which I use.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Other free bird apps include <a href=\"https:\/\/merlin.allaboutbirds.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/merlin.allaboutbirds.org\/\">The Cornell Lab\u2019s Merlin Bird ID<\/a> (which lets you identify birds through what they look or sound like) and <a href=\"https:\/\/ebird.org\/about\/ebird-mobile\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/ebird.org\/about\/ebird-mobile\/\">eBird Mobile<\/a> (which helps you record where and when you saw birds and share them with other folks online).<\/p>\n<h3>2. Join a local birding club<\/h3>\n<p>With thousands of birding clubs sprawled across the country, chances are you\u2019ll be able to find one nearby through a quick Google search. Not only is it an opportunity to learn, but it\u2019s also a great way to meet and connect with others who share the same interests.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019ll meet interesting people who can direct you to\u2014and perhaps join you in\u2014certain classes and\/or beginning bird walks led by experienced leaders,\u201d Rose says. \u201cThese folks know exactly where to go, where to park, what time, and what to bring. They\u2019ll also provide quick lessons on using binoculars.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3><strong>3. Explore different habitats<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The best thing about birds is that they\u2019re practically everywhere\u2014your backyard, hiking trails, parks, you name it. By heading to different areas, you\u2019ll be able to enjoy watching more species. \u201cWatch birds in different habitats like grasslands, forest, or your local park or neighborhood,\u201d says Dr. Strassmann. \u201cAre there different birds in different places, and do they do different things?<\/p>\n<h3>4. Keep a birding journal<\/h3>\n<p>You\u2019ll probably start to lose track of all the different birds you\u2019ll see on your birding adventures. If you want to be able to look back at the species you\u2019ve spotted, start jotting them down in a birding journey. Pro tip: If you create a virtual version in a Google Doc or your Notes app, you can quickly paste in photos so it\u2019s easy to scroll through all your sightings. (Some apps let you track birds as you identify them, too.)<\/p>\n<h3>5. Don\u2019t stress about becoming a human bird encyclopedia<\/h3>\n<p>Rose wants people to remember birding isn\u2019t about having to memorize the name, field marks, and songs of every bird. \u201cRemember, birding is a lifelong hobby. It will take you that long to learn these things,\u201d she says. \u201cBe patient with yourself and remember that this is something you enjoy\u2014it\u2019s not something new to cause anxiety. Allow for and enjoy the learning.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"disclaimers__after_content mb-[18px] mt-[16px] pt-[16px]\">\n<div class=\"outline-earmark relative mt-[8px] pt-[10px] pl-[20px]\">\n<p>\n            Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission.          <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><script async defer src=\"https:\/\/platform.instagram.com\/en_US\/embeds.js\"><\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><div data-type=\"_mgwidget\" data-widget-id=\"1675549\">\r\n<\/div>\r\n<script>(function(w,q){w[q]=w[q]||[];w[q].push([\"_mgc.load\"])})(window,\"_mgq\");\r\n<\/script>\r\n<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Growing up, my mom was enamored with the birds in our backyard. Anytime a new feathered friend would appear, she would grab her binoculars and copy of The Audubon Society Field Guide To North American Birds to uncover everything she could about the chirpy visitor. Now, years later, I\u2019m the one shelling out a chunk &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":4375,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4374","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4374","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4374"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4374\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/4375"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4374"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4374"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4374"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}