Photo Courtesy: Pinterest

Watching birds is in style. Imagine a world in which we watch more birds than we do Netflix. Thankfully and surprisingly, so many of us find the time to do this and we’re doing it so often that it qualifies as a “trend” in 2023. We enjoy a multitude of simple things: hiking, painting, kissing, singing, dancing, taking walks, watching sunsets, being in nature, traveling, gossiping, ironing, and so on. When we take a moment to enjoy the simple things we can appreciate more of what's around us. These small things make our world seem brighter and bigger. Because they bring us some comfort and pleasantness, we repeat them and they become a habit. Bird watching is one such thing. We watch birds unintentionally all the time. However, in 2023, we did it so often that the experience of bird watching, or birding, is important as we see birds in their natural environment. "Birder” is a fancy name for anyone who loves to observe birds in all their forms. Birding is currently ranked number 15 among the 51 activities monitored by the National Sustainable Resilience Register (NSRE), with 33 percent of individuals aged 16 and older engaging in it. This equates to approximately 70.4 million individuals who venture outdoors to observe birds at least once per year.

People who find joy in birding are called by all sorts of names such as birders, twitchers, ornithologists, listers, Bird enthusiasts, tickers, or nature-lovers. While we’re love to go out and watch birds, the next question that comes to mind is what do we wear? Often overlooked by novice or casual birdwatchers, the correct birdwatching attire can significantly improve the birdwatching experience. An appropriate birdwatching outfit will attract a wide range of birds, provide protection from the weather, ensure comfort and safety, and facilitate faster and easier bird viewing. You cannot afford to forget sunglasses, lip balm, sunscreen, and bug spray.

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Roselyn Rivas, the Public Programs Manager of New York City Audubon gave some great advice and suggestions to PhotoBook regarding bird-watching costumes by saying, “Early morning tends to be the best time for birding, and if you anticipate being in the sun for a while, I'd recommend a cap or wide-brimmed hat for sun protection. Sunblock is always recommended especially for times when it's too hot to wear long sleeves and long pants. Sturdy, closed-toed shoes are also a good idea for those who'd like to venture onto hiking trails or rough terrain.”

Through a network of dedicated volunteers and scientists, “New York City Audubon” has been dedicated to protecting and advocating for the wild birds of the city for more than four decades. They protect birds and their habitats, ranging from marshlands, and nesting islands for egrets and herons, to woodland parklands, which are essential for migrating and nesting species.

According to Rivas, “birding has become more mainstream in recent years. During the height of the pandemic, many saw it as a welcomed way to stay active as we social-distanced.” “Birding has definitely become more of a hot topic nowadays, which is awesome, as many are discovering what a wonderful activity it can be. I see birding as something many have gotten into as a hobby and will continue to participate in now that they're hooked,” she added.

While Rivas described birding with three punchy words, “fun, inclusive, and inspiring,” she shared that birding is for everyone. It's not an exclusive club in which you need expensive equipment or in-depth knowledge of every bird you'll see or hear. It's a beautiful and exciting activity that encourages people to spend more time outdoors, and to have a positive relationship with the environment and green spaces. Birding can also double as a social activity shared with loved ones, fellow nature-lovers, and soon-to-be-friends.

Tammy Poppie, founder of On The Feeder and a bird devotee herself, has been feeding birds in her backyard for more than 25 years. “On The Feeder” is a blog about “backyard birding.” The objective, as Tammy stated, is to “inspire your love of wild birds by attracting them to your yard responsibly and safely. It’s not rocket science but there’s more to consider than just hanging a bird feeder filled with seed mix.”

Photo Courtesy: On The Feeder website

Poppie recently surveyed 560 birders, which provided an in-depth look into the nature and interests of the bird-watching community. Survey results highlight what many of us birdwatchers already knew, namely the hobby provides stress relief. Most birdwatchers didn't begin the hobby for that particular purpose but reaped the benefits regardless. “I'd like to see a conscious effort to attract more young adults to the hobby so they too might experience improved mental health through the simple activity of birdwatching.”, she further added.

A New York Times article, published on December 10, 2022, and titled “The Surprising Health Benefits of Bird-Watching” validates that bird watching is good for one’s well-being. “Spending time outdoors with a pair of binoculars is good for your body and soul.” says Eric Vance in the article.

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Bird watching is a great way to connect with nature and appreciate its beauty, It also keeps people relaxed and have improve cardiovascular health, stamina, and enjoy overall fitness. Plus, it can be a great way to learn about different types of birds, their habits, and their habitats. It can be a social experience, as it can bring people together who have similar interests. Moreover, it is a versatile activity that can be enjoyed by all ages and people with different physical abilities, and it can and can be adapted to various locations, from urban parks of New York City to wilderness areas.

This pleasurable pastime is also a meaningful way to connect with nature, foster personal well-being, and contribute to the conservation of our natural world. As J.A. Baker writes in his extraordinary classic of British nature writing—The Peregrine—“Binoculars and a hawk-like vigilance reduce the disadvantage of myopic human vision.”

Article by Palak Godara, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Mia Fyson, Graphic Design Intern, PhotoBook Magazine

In 2023, We choose To Go Big on Birding!