If you always thought birdwatching was boring, you might want to think again.
Receive Aleteia inspiration and news in your inbox. A specially selected newsletter is sent every morning. Best place? It’s free.
SIGN UP HERE
One of the most beautiful surprises my family and I experienced when moving from the city to our current semi-rural location was the number of beautiful birds we encountered each day. I’ve always loved catching rare cardinal glimpses in my little urban backyard, but now it’s like living in a bird sanctuary. We all agree that it made life better.
But it’s not just for us. Research shows that watching and hearing birds sing has a positive impact on mental health and well-being.
A 2017 study published in BioScience by scientists from the University of Exeter in the UK showed that the prevalence and severity of depression, stress and anxiety decreased when people witnessed more birds in their daily lives. I was.
A YouGov poll commissioned by the RSPB, a British organization started in 1889 to save birds from extinction, found that 88% of British adults believe it is important to spend time outdoors enjoying the natural world. and 53% said it was very important. On the other hand, 91% agreed that seeing or hearing birds has a positive impact on their mental health and wellbeing.
Nearly 700,000 people took part in bird surveys in the UK last year, counting more than 11 million birds for the RSPB. Sparrows were the most common sightings at the Big Garden Birdwatching Weekend, followed by great tits and starlings.
There are many benefits to noticing, listening to, and observing birds on a regular basis. One of the big benefits is getting away from screens that most of us spend too much time on.
But that’s not all. The beauty of birds, their movement and their calls, remind us that God’s creation in its diversity is not only a gift to be appreciated, but an important part of a rich and fulfilling life. increase.
Creating a little more space for birds in your life can help you feel better and stay healthy, so here are some easy ways to do it no matter where you live.
visit the birds in your local park
Many parks have ducks, geese and other birds. Pay attention to the birds and take your time observing them. (Don’t let them eat bread – contrary to common practice, that’s not good for our winged friends.)
hanging bird house
Whether in the yard, on the deck, or on the porch, different types of birdhouses attract different types of birds. Just wait to visit the feeders and be amazed by the birds that are nearby.
Learn about birds native to your area
This is fun, especially if you have children. You can find guides at the library, online, or at your local pet store, and use them to identify any birds you see.
invest in binoculars
Having binoculars makes it easier to spot birds and their intricate patterns. It’s also a fun gift for kids. It can be used for all kinds of nature discoveries.
pick up trash
If you see trash or plastic lying around outside, pick it up and dispose of it in an appropriate container. It has a detrimental effect on birds and all wildlife.
take a walk outside anytime
Listen to the birds chirping as you walk, especially in the morning and evening. what do you hear? what’s your favourite?
