How connection to nature benefits birders

Birdwatching is a popular outdoor activity that connects people with nature and provides a sense of well-being.

In this article, we will delve into the connection between birdwatching in nature, and the resulting positive impact of birdwatching on mental health.

We look at the ways in which birdwatching can establish or increase our sense of mental well-being.

Connecting to Nature with Bird Watching: Key Takeaways

• Birdwatching offers an easy connection to nature, we can immerse ourselves in the sights, sounds, and ambiance of nature.
• Spending time in nature has a positive impact on mental well-being.
• The majority of evidence suggests that nature exposure during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with less depression, anxiety, and stress, and more happiness and life satisfaction.
• Research has found that people living in neighborhoods with more birds, shrubs, and trees are less likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, and stress, regardless of whether they live in urban or suburban areas.

First let’s explore the importance of feeling connected to the natural world.

Bird watching offers an easy connection to nature

Whether you’re wandering through a forest, strolling along a beach, or simply observing the birds in your backyard, birdwatching is an excellent way to connect with nature. Even in a busy city, it’s possible to notice the presence of birds.

In this way, the role of birdwatching in connecting people with the natural world is undeniable. As one of the most popular outdoor activities, birdwatching allows individuals to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and ambiance of nature and appreciate the beauty and diversity of birds.

Beauty in Diversity: the Joy of Appreciating Birds

One of the most profound aspects of birdwatching is the opportunity to appreciate the beauty and diversity of birds. Birds are incredibly diverse creatures, with different species found in nearly every corner of the world.

From the colorful plumage of tropical birds to the subtle beauty of songbirds, birds offer a never-ending source of inspiration and wonder. For many birdwatchers, the opportunity to observe and learn about these incredible creatures is one of the most rewarding aspects of the hobby.

Meaningful immersion in nature

In addition to the aesthetic appeal of birds, birdwatching also allows individuals to connect with the natural world in a more profound and meaningful way. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can have a positive impact on mental well-being, and birdwatching is an excellent way to experience these benefits.

Whether you’re watching a majestic eagle soar overhead or listening to the melody of a wood thrush, birdwatching can be a deeply calming and meditative experience. It’s no wonder that so many people find birdwatching to be an essential part of their well-being.

A study called ‘Nature’s contributions in coping with a pandemic in the 21st century: A narrative review of evidence during COVID-19’ explores the evidence around how being exposed to nature impacted people. It covers the period during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The research found that during the pandemic, people still experienced multiple types of nature, including both outdoors and indoors. Clearly the frequency of visits to outdoor natural areas such as public parks depended on the strictness of the local lockdown as well as socio-cultural contexts.

The majority of the evidence notes that nature exposure during COVID-19 pandemic was associated with less depression, anxiety and stress. Experiencing more nature meant more happiness and life satisfaction.

This research highlights the positive impact on mental health when people spend time exposed to the natural environment. Birdwatching can offer a powerful tool for promoting mental well-being by allowing individuals to connect with nature and appreciate its beauty and diversity.

Additionally, the study’s findings suggest the importance of access to nature, including birds, in maintaining mental health during difficult times.

The calming effects of birdwatching

Birdwatching is a unique activity that promotes mindfulness in a natural setting. The act of observing and studying birds requires focused attention and a sense of presence in the moment.

By leaving behind daily distractions and immersing oneself in the natural world, birdwatching allows individuals to quiet their minds and focus on the present. This type of mindfulness practice can lead to a reduction in stress and an increase in overall well-being.

Though bird watching can be achieved in a busy urban area, often bird watchers go to spend time in quiet or more rural locations.

In these places, the peaceful and calming atmosphere of nature can also promote a meditative state. This allows for deeper relaxation and a sense of inner peace.

Lifting the state of mind

Overall, the combination of mindfulness and a meditative state of mind that can arrive with birdwatching can have a profound impact on one’s mental health.

One possible reason why we experience these benefits is because of our history of evolution. Because we developed in nature over the centuries, being in an urban place is literally not natural to us.

Living constantly in an urban setting stresses our systems because we are not really supposed to be in that environment.

How bird watching softens the demands of day-to-day life

Another theory explains how the daily life that many of us are used to is a continual drain on our attention. We need to concentrate on a lot of things that are very demanding. This is called attention restoration theory.

In contrast, bird watching allows us to free ourselves of that constant demand and allow ourselves just to notice what is happening around us.

What exactly is the impact of nature on our well-being?

Research by academics at the University of Exeter, the British Trust for Ornithology and the University of Queensland has found that people living in neighborhoods with more birds, shrubs and trees are less likely to suffer from depression, anxiety and stress.

The study, involving hundreds of people, found benefits for mental health of being able to see birds, shrubs and trees around the home. This was regardless of whether people lived in urban or more leafy suburban neighborhoods.

Research studies offer evidence of the benefits of nature

The research also found that those who spent less time out of doors than usual in the previous week were more likely to report they were anxious or depressed.

The study also found that lower levels of depression, anxiety and stress were associated with the number of birds people could see in the afternoon.

Immersion in nature by birding

Forest bathing, also known as shinrin-yoku, is a practice that originated in Japan in the 1980s and has since gained popularity worldwide. It involves immersing oneself in nature through activities such as walking, breathing exercises, and spending time in a forested area.

This practice goes beyond just a leisurely walk in the park. It’s a form of meditation that allows you to fully take in all the sights, sounds and smells of the forest. Focus shifts to what surrounds you, taking you away from inner ruminations.

What might forest bathing do for us?

Studies have consistently shown that regularly trying this type of “woodland bath” can significantly reduce stress, anxiety and even depression. One study found that people who participated in a forest therapy program had lower levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, and improved mood compared to those who walked in an urban area.

These findings add further evidence to support the idea that spending time in nature, whether through bird watching or forest bathing, has a wide range of benefits for mental and physical health.

Bird watching offers structure and purpose

So far we’ve explored a few aspects of how spending time in nature can have a positive impact on mental well-being.

While birdwatching allows individuals to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and ambiance of nature, it can also provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment through the identification of different bird species.

There is a theory that birdwatching provides a more purposeful way to engage with nature. That some people tend to feel more comfortable with some kind of objective or specific focus for their attention.

When people go to a park or a forest, for example, they sometimes don’t know what to do or how to enjoy it. This can make them feel at a loose end, or even discomfited.

But by learning how to look for different types of birds and trying to find them, it can make such visits more fun and interesting. Plus, when you’re on the lookout for birds, you’ll start to notice other things in nature around you too.

Connecting with Nature through Bird Watching – final thoughts

Birding is a valuable and enjoyable activity that can provide numerous benefits to individuals who participate in it. It is a wonderful way to connect with nature.

From reducing stress levels to improving mental health, bird watching has been shown to have a positive impact on our well-being. As well as the precious connection to nature, watching birds helps individuals develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

Whether you are a seasoned birdwatcher or just starting out, taking the time to observe birds and nature around you can help you to feel happier, healthier, and more connected to the world around you.