MENTAL HEALTH

Birdwatching Has Big Mental Health Benefits. Here’s How to Start.

Discovering Mental Wellness Through Birdwatching

Joan Strassmann can rattle off trivia about birds as quickly as a Peregrine falcon can blast through the sky.

Did you know that Northern flickers coax their young to leave their nests by continuously shrieking?

That American coots sometimes sneak eggs into other hens’ nests?

That white brows on a male white-throated sparrow indicate he might be a philanderer?

Here’s another fun, feathered fact: Birdwatching—or even simply listening—can lead to an array of mental health benefits in humans, including long-lasting stress relief.

The Therapeutic Power of Birdwatching

“The mental-health benefits are profound,” says Strassmann, who’s the author of the new book Slow Birding: The Art and Science of Enjoying the Birds in Your Own Backyard.

“Sitting outside and listening to the birds and getting to know their songs is really calming. And to me, the special thing about birds is that they can leave—they don’t have to be there, but they have chosen to be where you are, and at some point, they’ll move on.”

Birdwatching saw a significant surge in popularity during the pandemic, as people sought safe, free, outdoor hobbies.

Calls to organizations like Mass Audubon skyrocketed in 2020, with many newly remote workers eager to connect with nature just outside their windows.

There’s an undeniable drama in the avian world, akin to a soap opera playing out in the treetops every day.

Moreover, birders of all skill levels can tap into robust mental health benefits linked to the hobby.

This connection to nature becomes something akin to attachment and love, notes Joan Walsh, the Massachusetts conservation organization’s chair of field ornithology and natural history.

Scientific Backing

Researchers have long been intrigued by the positive effects of observing birds.

A study published in Scientific Reports found that seeing or hearing birds improved people’s mental well-being for up to eight hours.

The benefits were observed in individuals with and without depression and could not be explained by other environmental factors.

Other research supports the notion that birds are good for the brain.

Studies have shown that bird abundance in urban neighborhoods is associated with lower rates of depression, anxiety, and stress.

The number of bird species around people’s homes and towns is correlated with happiness, and bird songs are often associated with stress recovery and attention restoration.

Why Birds Soothe

What exactly is it about birds that makes them so soothing?

Several factors come into play.

Nature itself helps improve concentration and reduces stress by lowering blood pressure and stress-inducing hormones.

Additionally, birds tend to lure people outside, encouraging mood improvement through exercise and socialization.

Birds, with their vibrant colors and unique behaviors, hold a natural fascination for humans.

Their ability to fly, something we can only experience through technology, adds to their charm.

They also serve as reminders of seasons and places, giving us an ephemeral feeling and a connection to the ever-changing world.

Getting Started with Birdwatching

One of the great things about birdwatching is its accessibility to people of all ages.

Here are five ways to start your birdwatching journey:

1. Invite the birds to you:

Set up a bird feeder to attract local bird species to your backyard.

2. Use an app to learn bird songs:

Apps like Merlin Bird ID can help you identify birds by their songs and calls.

3. Take a birding course:

Enroll in online courses or join local bird clubs to learn from experts.

4. Keep a list of birds you see:

Maintain a birdwatching journal or use apps like eBird to document your sightings.

5. Make your backyard a bird sanctuary:

Plant native species that attract and protect birds, and contribute to citizen science efforts like the Audubon Society’s bird counts.

Birdwatching is not just a hobby; it’s a therapeutic journey that connects us with nature and offers profound mental health benefits.

As you embark on your birdwatching adventure, remember that you’re not only enriching your life but also contributing to the conservation of these remarkable creatures.

So, pick up those binoculars, listen to the songs, and let the world of birds bring serenity and joy to your life.

Thank you for reading...