Bird Watching

Bird watching has grown dramatically over the last 20 years and during the “Covid Era” grew even faster. It is something that requires no financial outlay (initially) and something that you can do from your own Garden in dry weather and from a window when its not. Remember, because Birds have an extremely fast metabolism, they have to eat every day. It is now thought to be the biggest Hobby in the world – with literally Millions taking it up each year.

It has been shown over recent years to have several mental-health and wellbeing benefits. Professor Andrea Mechelli, from King’s College London, explains there are multiple factors at play here.

“Bird Watching can help improve concentration by decreasing depression and mental fatigue, reduces stress by lowering blood pressure and levels of stress-inducing hormones such as adrenaline, cortisol, and norepinephrine. Plus, birds tend to lure people outside, and outdoor activity improves mood through exercise and socialisation”.

The Biodiversity all around us is a fragile state. It needs to be protected. Careful thought needs to be given on how we can live more sustainable lives to help protect birds and indeed all animals and plants in this area. We can do this but, only if people really try.

New International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List report reveals plummeting migratory shorebird populations globally – 16 species of shorebird, including several species that winter in Ireland and are monitored through the Irish Wetland Bird Survey (I-WeBS), have had their conservation status reclassified to a higher threat category in the latest IUCN Red List update. To see further information Click Here

Why is what happening to birds so important? Birds are one of the best-studied groups of animals and an excellent indication of the Eco-system and biodiversity. A healthy ecosystem provides vital can provide essential ecosystem services – pollination, water purification and carbon storage. These provide the building blocks for life – food, water and clean air. Declines in bird populations are signs that we should all pay attention to, as they represent problems in our ecosystems.

In conjunction with Ian Stone – Ornithologist & Wildlife Photographer, we have created three PDF files for you to download using the links below.