Recently I came upon a highly underrated activity which I thought could use some more attention. Though it might not seem like a very engaging hobby at first glance, birding is an activity that millions around the world participate in everyday. From the opportunity to be outdoors, admire nature and slow down to notice surroundings, to the competitive community that it creates, birding is undervalued in what it has to offer. This article explores the world of birding, the benefits and opportunities that come out of it, and the community it creates.
Birds are an animal that we don’t learn much about as young kids, but also as adults. To the average person birds are just some uninteresting, random creatures hustling around the woods nearby or nesting in the trees of city parks. Seemingly, they are in the background of our lives, simple animals that don’t naturally catch one’s attention. In today's world of constant work or school, news, social media, along with the everyday responsibilities that we all are accountable for, something like birding is not a priority on the to-do list. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not an exciting or engaging activity. As a local Philadelphia teen, Mozi Weisenberg, says, birding has “Definitely taught me to slow down and appreciate non-human creations. Birding is much less self-interested than other hobbies people have. It’s nice to take a break from the society and world we have created.”
Birding is not only a great way to take a break from the constant rush of our lives, it’s also a path to the natural habitats and environments that most of us rarely even notice. Birding opens up an entirely new world, one often closed off and taken for granted by modern society. Talking about his interest in birding, another passionate teen, Noah Raven, says “It started when I got into monarch butterflies. I began paying more attention to the life around me. It’s such rich behavior that they have, and a great way to view nature.” Raven, a high schooler in Chestnut Hill, started an organization called Monarch Defenders to bring attention to the endangered species of Monarch Butterflies, at age 12. Having also written multiple articles for Grid Magazine in the past several years, Raven is a passionate advocate for environmental activism and sustainability.
One of the most significant elements of birding however is that it is an activity that can be done by anyone, anywhere. One common misconception about birding is that it is done solely by older people as a leisurely hobby. While this is true in some scenarios, the world of birding is accessible to people of any age. “If you’re into wild things, unlike mammals there are 600 types of birds that live just here in Philly.” says Weisenberg. “The native landscape in the northeast is what interests me. Birds are sort of like the top of the chart in terms of being able to see a large variety of animals.”
Yet just like any other hobby that one becomes highly interested or even obsessive about, birding can get expensive. More obsessive birders, who are often naturalists or passionate about environmental issues, still travel around the globe, spend money, and consequently pollute the planet more in their effort to spot a rare species.
An interesting fact is that a large number of individuals who are passionate about the environment and preserving natural lands are not necessarily conservationists by profession. “In the US, birders and hunters are very involved in conservation efforts, just as much as conservationists or naturalists oftentimes.” explains Weisenberg. This is another reason why birding is such a fascinating world, as though (as a birder) it’s not required to care for the environment, many birders are actively involved in actual conservation efforts. Slowing down to appreciate the land, animals and ecosystems around us is increasingly important in today's world, and birding is a gateway into doing this. “People take birds for granted. Being passionate about birds has taught me to take my time and realize there is so much more going on than we think.” says Raven.
And though much of birding is done for one’s own pleasure and interest, there is an entire side to it that is shockingly competitive. One such component involves keeping track of the different species one has seen and identified. This can be done through sites such as eBird, Merlin Bird ID (run by Cornell), or Audubon. People compete for different species, number of overall sightings and more. However, there are even birding competitions, such as the World Series of Birding, a competition organized annually by the NJ Audubon. These sorts of activities are held to appreciate the wonder of birds and nature itself, with a twist on it for people who need the extra competitive push.
The world of birding is fascinating and vibrant. From simply watching birds in one’s own backyard to travelling the globe to identify and mark down new species, birding is an activity that is often undervalued. Being able to slow down and notice the things that are oftentimes hidden in the background is a crucial skill. Birding allows one to discover and learn about specific traits, habits, and identifying features of birds themselves, which is an entire world of its own. However it also opens up another view into nature, human action and consequence, and the world as it is without interference or disturbance. In Weisenberg’s own words, birding can be compared to a “constant 24/7 movie that you have instant access to, without charge!” Though it may take time to attain the level of focus required to make observing birds as entertaining as a movie, it is certainly not an activity to be overlooked.
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