Benefits of Bird Watching

There are obvious health benefits involved with bird watching even if there isn’t a single medical research study proving even one beneficial aspect regarding this humble hobby. One is exposed to sunshine, fresh air and serene scenery. One can fill his/her greedy eyes with joy. Allowing body, mind and soul to regain a supreme sense of balance as he/she releases harmful “toxins” that have been magically absorbed through the arduous  process of living. Exercising one’s eyeballs is excellent for stimulating one’s vision. I’m quite certain that bird watching is a very entertaining and healthy activity for all human beings. People are outdoors. Away from artificial lights and inane sounds coming from wretched television sets and other noise makers. Breathing relatively fresh air. People should watch birds while standing up in order to burn calories.  Anyone would burn more calories with even a miniscule amount of physical activity than they would taking a nap because they are incredibly bored or sitting in front of a computer screen because they are still incredibly bored.

Knowledge. I know bird watching is educational. It expands your mind. Watching birds has taught me many things. Companionship. I see blue jays, mockingbirds, doves, cardinals and many other birds semi-peacefully sharing the same stash of food. There are minor squabbles but they are co-existing without killing one another. Patience. They politely wait their turn while someone else is on the feeder. Respect. The birds I have seen have shown respect for one another and also for the rabbits and squirrels who are eating or resting nearby. Self-control. I have never seen one creature consume 100% of the food. They only seem to eat what they actually need. There is always more than enough food left over for the other hungry birds.

Emotions. Gazing fondly at these beloved wild birds has improved my life. I feel less anxiety. I owe that small miracle to them. Not to some tiny little pills or capsules that cost a small fortune. I feel less troubled by catastrophic world events. I’m not living in a bubble or anything like that. Birds learn to deal with all the obstacles that fly into their faces. I can learn to do the same. If people would only devote fifteen to thirty minutes a day to birding endeavors, they could enhance their lives immensely. Birding offers a fresh perspective on life. It builds a spiritual connection with one’s immediate surroundings and with the omnipresence of Nature herself.

Neurotransmitters and Nutrition. Birds have helped me with my insatiable curiosity. I love collecting information and I really love categorizing it even more. When I see a new subspecies, I quickly jump on the computer and I research the new discovery. One could possibly gain a few extra IQ points while they pursue this new path of enlightenment. Hopefully, some day in the near future, one of the proven benefits of bird watching will turn out to be an overall reduction of the number of diagnosed cases of Alzheimer’s Disease. Victims of this insidious illness need to keep their minds stimulated. There are at least 10,000 different species of birds. How could anyone ever become bored with birds? There is such a great diversity within the worldwide bird population. Our neurotransmitters won’t function properly if we don’t nourish our bodies.  I have really learned what food is good for the wild birds and what “innocent” food is harmful for them. I’ve improved my own nutritional habits since I’ve become an avid bird watcher. I’ve also noticed something very important. I have never seen any obese birds. They are very active and their natural diet is varied. Birds are balanced. They seem to live in harmony with their surroundings and within their immediate bird community as well.

Love. There must be a special feathered friend flying around somewhere out there who will capture even the grumpiest person’s heart and soul. Maybe a person will never know for certain if a particular bird has fallen in love with them. It would probably be an impossible and futile quest. How could you determine that sort of thing? It doesn’t matter. The only thing that matters is the love people feel for birds. It would be great to touch the bird. But that would disturb the creature. It may become frightened and injure or kill itself trying to flee from the tiny touch of a loving human being. Some people even feel that digital cameras and other electronic devices are an invasion of birds’ privacy. No one would want to benefit from bird watching if it would be detrimental to the birds themselves.

Financial matters. One of the best benefits of bird watching has been the cost. A person does not need to spend a lot of money on food. Bird watchers don’t have to waste hundreds of dollars on adorable feeders. An inspired person could easily construct inexpensive bird feeders or they would know where to pick up some sturdy ones for less than the cost of one fast food meal . Bird watching seems like a tiny slice of paradise. I’ve stolen a secret treasure when I’ve spied on those greedy yet very grateful winged wonders. Most people can easily afford to give the gift of free food. Bird seed isn’t that costly. Bird aficionados receive something valuable in return for their investment. A priceless new outlook on life. That will turn out to be an incredible bargain that will last forever. Career choice. It is hardly any surprise that some people have become so entrapped by the bird watching lifestyle that they’ve turned professional. They’ve become ornithologists. Traipsing around the world with binoculars, telescopes, notebooks, nets and a large assortment of other useful items dragging behind them. In my opinion, bird watching will always be beneficial for humankind.