Holistic Birding
Benefits of Holistic Birding
Birding holistically isn’t just a pastime or hobby— and it's not just a way to explore our natural world. It has real life benefits: it’s a simple, accessible way to spend time outdoors, engage your brain, and support your overall well‑being. Here’s what researchers and writers are saying about why this activity matters.
Mental Health Benefits
Birding has been linked to positive changes in mood and mental state. A National Geographic article summarized research showing that participants who saw or heard birds while going about their day were more likely to report feeling better overall.
Similarly, science reporting highlights that spending time watching birds boosts psychological health — even before any formal “therapy” — simply through nature exposure and attention to the environment.
"These findings indicate that there’s something specific about looking for birds (or at least looking for elements in nature) that leads to mental health improvements." Psychology Today
"The researchers found that participants’ average mental wellbeing scores increased when they saw or heard birds, including among those who disclosed they had been diagnosed with depression." Earth Island Bird and Birdsong Encounters Improve Mental Health, Study Finds
Physical Benefits
Birding gets you outside - and it can be as rigorous or gentle as you'd like it to be. Walking parks, trails, backyards, or green spaces supports physical activity. It pairs activity with fresh air, sunshine, and regular breaks from screens and indoor spaces, making it a healthy choice for people of many ages. Whether you are climbing a mountain looking for a Bicknell's Thrush, or taking a relaxing stroll around your local park, you are moving - and that is always good for you!
'"Health benefits: Studies show that even a stroll through a city park decreases stress, sharpens concentration and improves long-term mental health outcomes. A few studies suggest there might be something especially healthy about birds in particular."
New York Times: The Surprising Health Benefits of Bird Watching
Emotional & Social Benefits
Is birding relaxing? Exhilarating? Exciting? Calming? All of the above! Birding reduces stress and anxiety (unless you're chasing a rarity, ha!). It forces you to be mindful and in the moment and aids in regulating emotions.
"Another study, published in 2020 in Ecological Economics, showed a correlation between happiness and the number of bird species around people’s homes and towns. Being near 14 additional bird species, the study authors noted, was as satisfying as earning an extra $150 per month."
Time Magazine: Birdwatching Has Mental Health Benefits
"When we take a deep breath of cool morning air, or notice the vibrant blue of an Eastern Bluebird, or feel the smooth texture of binoculars in our hands, we are anchoring ourselves in reality — in the now. This presence is especially helpful for those coping with PTSD, chronic anxiety, and depression, where the mind often fixates on the traumas of the past, or fears for the future. When you are birding, there is only what is in front of you — and that is enough."