8 Reasons Why We Love To Watch Birds
Posted by GuestW on Oct 20, 2009 in Birds • No commentsOn just about any average day in the U.S., millions of people across the country are watching birds. They are observing via bird watching clubs that they are members of. They join bird watching tours in their own city as well as in far away countries. And, those really into it, plan holidays and family trips around the migration path of their favorite bird species. Bird watching, once you begin, is addictive.
So what’s the draw? Why are people doing this? For one thing, it’s inexpensive. All you really need to begin your bird watching hobby is a pair of good binoculars. Then maybe in a month or two, you’ll invest in a quality camera to capture for all time the birds you’ve seen.
Secondly, bird watching is a fantastic self-justification to spend time outdoors. Far too many of us spend our time either closeted inside our homes or trapped a job cubicle. In our air conditioned environments, we have forgotten what it’s like to breath fresh air and commune with nature. We’ve forgotten that we’re not the only creatures blessed to live on this planet. We’ve forgotten that it’s natural to be outdoors.
Third – convenience. What’s more convenient than watching birds in the comfort of your own back yard? You can go down to your local garden center or pet store, buy a bird house kit and some feed, and have a bird sanctuary in your back yard in one afternoon. And, if you’ve done your homework correctly, your newly discovered bird friends will love you.
Fourth – watching birds in their bird house provides you with your own private animal reality show. Within days, you’ll find yourself involved in the various bird families pecking order. Who is dominant? Who’s selfish? Who’s nurturing? Who’s a bully? You’ll begin to recognize distinct personalities. And those among us with slight psychological problems will start to name them.
Fifth – bird watching is a relaxing activity. No matter how stressed out your day has been, once you sit down with your binoculars and aim it towards your bird friends, you’ll notice a sense of calm and tranquility coming over you. It’s inevitable and can’t be stopped. It’s impossible not to feel your blood pressure dropping and the stresses and worries fleeing from your mind.
Sixth – you’ll be helping nature by helping the species to survive. In many parts of the country, the natural habitats of the native creatures, including birds, have been destroyed. In modern society, new industrial or housing development trumps nature every time. With your bird watching hobby, you can help restore some of the habitat balance by providing nesting places, shelter from predators, and food for the birds that you enjoy.
Seventh – bird watching is such a great social and bonding activity for people. Finding people who love the same thing as you do and spending time with them lets you re-connect with your humanity. Rather than spending hours in front of the T.V. screen, you can form friendship bonds that will stay with you the rest of your life.
Eight – bird watching is great exercise. Barely a week passes by without us hearing on the news about the obesity epidemic and how we Americans are getting fatter and fatter by the day. We all know that we should exercise more, but very few of us actually do it. Bird watching is a good way to simultaneously exercise and have fun. Observing and trailing birds through the forest will give you plenty of exercise and help to keep you in good health.
For these reasons, and more, bird watching as an activity has become more popular each year. So much so that it has become one of America’s most popular pastimes.
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