On any given day, millions of people across the country go bird watching. They are observing through birding clubs of which they are members. They join birding tours not only in their own city, but also in cities and sometimes in faraway countries. Those who really like it plan vacations and family trips around the migration route of their favorite bird species. For these people, bird watching is addictive. Once you start and discover the joys in it, you are hooked.
So what’s the draw? Why are people doing this? For one thing, it’s cheap. All you really need to start your bird watching hobby is a good pair of binoculars. So maybe in a month or two, you’ll invest in a quality camera to forever capture the birds you’ve seen.
Second, bird watching is a great excuse to spend time outdoors. Many of us spend the year cooped up inside our homes or in a work cubicle. We have forgotten what it is like to breathe fresh air and commune with nature. We have forgotten that we are not the only creatures blessed to live on this planet. We have forgotten that it is natural to be outdoors.
Third: bird watching can be very convenient. What’s more convenient than bird watching in your own backyard? You can go to your local garden center, buy a birdhouse and some feed, and have a bird sanctuary in your backyard in an afternoon. If you have done your homework correctly, your new bird friends will love you. If you are industrious and skilled enough with a hammer and saw, you can even build a custom birdhouse.
Fourth: it provides you with your own private animal reality show. You will quickly find yourself involved in the pecking order of the bird family. Who is dominating? Who is selfish? Who is breastfeeding? Who is a bully? You will begin to recognize different personalities. And those among us with slight psychological problems will start to name them.
Fifth – Bird watching is a relaxing activity. No matter how stressful your day has been, once you sit down with your binoculars and point them at your bird friends, you’ll notice a sense of calm and tranquility wash over you. It is inevitable and cannot be stopped. It’s impossible not to feel your blood pressure drop and stress and worries slip from your mind.
Sixth: you will help nature by helping species to survive. In many parts of the country, the natural habitats of native creatures, including birds, have been destroyed. In modern society, new industrial or housing development outpaces nature every time. With your birding hobby, you can help restore some of the balance to the habitat by providing nesting sites, shelter from predators, and food for the birds you enjoy.
Seventh – Bird watching is a great social activity. Finding people who love the same thing as you and spending time with them allows you to reconnect with your humanity. Instead of spending hours in front of the television, you can form bonds of friendship that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
Eight – It’s a great workout. Hardly a day goes by that we don’t hear a newscaster talk about the obesity epidemic and how Americans are getting fatter every day. We all know we should exercise more, but very few of us actually do. Bird watching is a great way to get exercise and have fun at the same time. Following and tracking birds through forest environments will give you plenty of exercise and help you maintain good health.
For all these reasons, and more, bird watching is an activity that becomes more popular every year. In truth, it has surprisingly become one of the most popular pastimes in America.
