With searches for birdwatching increasing by over 104% in the past year, and over 60% of Brits revealing that they want to pick up a new outdoor hobby in 2024, it seems like the ideal time to begin birdwatching.
Peter Storm Ambassador and Countryfile presenter Sean Fletcher has explained the benefits of birdwatching, as well as offering his top tips on getting started.
Sean comments “I love to spend time outdoors, in the quietness of the morning, looking at the beautiful nature that the UK has to offer. We are surrounded by so many flowers, plants and creatures that can be spotted by looking just past our doorsteps. From the winter robins to the redwings in the fields around us - each bird has its own unique story to tell, and if you listen hard enough, you may be able to hear them sing it.”
The benefits of bird watching
- - Practising mindfulness
Being quiet and watching birds forces you to be in the moment. Turning off your phone and focusing on the world around you helps you to appreciate nature and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
- - It improves your mental health
It is hard to be grumpy when watching a bird build its nest - and there is a scientific reason behind it! A 2022 study from King’s College London found that everyday encounters of just seeing or hearing birds can improve a person’s mental health.
- - It stimulates the senses
Birdwatching may be a relaxing hobby, but that doesn’t mean that you aren’t doing anything. Looking out for and listening for birds keeps your vision and hearing in overdrive, stimulating both senses.
- - It is entertaining
Whilst it is good for us, most people partake in birdwatching because they simply enjoy it. Watching birds will make you notice that birds have fascinating lives - watching them find food, build nests and live their lives can be like watching a wildlife show live.
Sean continues “Starting birdwatching can be as easy as stepping outside and looking up. It can be a cheap, simple hobby that takes little to no preparation. If you do want to prepare, here are my top tips on getting into birdwatching.”
- - Use a bird identification guide
There are a range of ways to identify the birds that you see, from books to interactive apps. Not only will this help you to know what birds you are spotting when bird watching, but it can also be used as a tick list.
- - Make sure you have the right equipment
Having the correct equipment can make your time spent birdwatching a lot more enjoyable. As all outdoor enthusiasts will know, the UK weather can be unpredictable, so you must have waterproof jackets, sturdy walking shoes and warm clothes.
Whilst binoculars are not particularly essential, they are very useful, especially if they are compact as you can carry them with you at all times. You don’t need to spend a large sum of money on binoculars to get a decent pair. Very good models are available for less than £100.
- - Check what birds are most commonly seen in each area, to ensure you have the best chance of spotting one.
Depending on where you are, you may find different wildlife. The Chaffinch is seen in the Highlands, with over 110,342 being seen between 2018 and 2022. If you are in Cornwall, you may see robins, especially in the winter months. Checking the best dates to bird watch will stop you from feeling defeated if you don’t see any in a day, and also means that you can plan your trips around seeing your favourite birds.
- - Join a birdwatching club
The best way to learn a new skill is to learn from someone who has already mastered it. Joining a birdwatching club is a great way to meet like-mi-nded people with the same interests as you. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has a tool that helps you find your local birdwatching club.
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