Birding is cool now.
Here’s why the mental health benefits of bird-watching have made it so popular among younger folks.
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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 couldnt actually be a penguin, though.
Turns out, it was abufflehead duck.
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But after that moment, I became hooked, and finally understood what the birding buzz was about.
There were also555,291 estimated global participantsin Cornell Universitys 2023 Great Backyard Bird Countup 44 percent from the384,541participants in 2022.
Apps are seeing an increase too, withBirdareporting a monthly growth rate of 30 percent in signups.
So, connecting with birds is a jot down of mindfulness to help distract and calm your mind.
Theres strong evidence to support the mental health benefits of bird-watching.
Another study published inEcological Economicsfound being around birds was linked to higher happiness levels.
Ive enjoyed the stress-relief perks of bird-watching myself.
That sense of happiness and calm typically lasts for hours, even surpassing the effects of my daily meditations.
This is no surprise toHolly Merker, a professional birding guide, environmental educator, and author ofOrnitherapy.
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(Although the former is grappling with alegacy of racismfrom its namesake.)
Virginia Rosesays she founded Birdability unofficially in 2018, and it became a 501c3 in January 2022.
I also realized that after 20 years of birding, I had seen very, very few disabled people.
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That means youll never miss a special visitor while youre away.
(I even got a pair myself, and theyre very much worth the hype.)
This helps clear our minds, bringing us into the present moment through the birds, she says.
This is an easy way to practice mindfulness, and aids a change of our mental channel.
Start small, if you like, spending five minutes one morning outside, she suggests.
How to get started on your birding journey
1.
Downloading an app or purchasing a book can also be helpful as youre learning different species of birds.
Download the freeAudubon Bird Guide App, says Craig.
These folks know exactly where to go, where to park, what time, and what to bring.
Theyll also provide quick lessons on using binoculars.
By heading to different areas, youll be able to enjoy watching more species.
Are there different birds in different places, and do they do different things?
(Some apps let you track birds as you identify them, too.)
Remember, birding is a lifelong hobby.
It will take you that long to learn these things, she says.
Be patient with yourself and remember that this is something you enjoyits not something new to cause anxiety.
Allow for and enjoy the learning.
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