Feathered Friends: The Benefits of Birdwatching on Global Big Day

Written by Kenneth Barboza Navarro - 5 October 2023

Welcome to the World of Birdwatching on Global Big Day! As migratory birds from both the northern and southern hemispheres gather in Central America, we embark on an exciting journey. What initially began as a hobby for many during the pandemic has evolved into a thriving passion shared by bird enthusiasts of all ages. In this blog post, we'll delve into the unexpected and remarkable benefits of birdwatching. Additionally, we'll explore how you can actively contribute to vital conservation efforts.

Connecting with Nature

Did you know that birds can be found almost everywhere? From urban environments and agricultural landscapes to small pockets of forest and pristine wilderness, these feathered creatures are incredibly adaptable. Some of them embark on epic journeys, traveling thousands of kilometers along migratory routes to breed, find food, or escape harsh winters.

This widespread presence makes birds the perfect reason to step out of your daily routine, breathe in fresh air, and engage in outdoor activities. It's also an opportunity to explore diverse ecosystems that are essential for the world's most diverse group of vertebrates.

Promoting Mental Well-being

Listening to the melodious tunes of birds, marveling at their vibrant colors, observing their fascinating behaviors, and recalling their names have all been linked to relaxation and stress prevention in scientific studies. These avian encounters stimulate our brains in a sensory manner, activating cognitive functions that enhance memory, reasoning, attention, creativity, and reflection.

Furthermore, birdwatching provides an excellent opportunity to forge social connections with others, promoting teamwork and the formation of new friendships. These connections have been recognized as a positive influence on overall well-being, contributing to a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Encouraging Physical Activity

Let's go for a walk!? Birdwatching not only enhances our mental well-being but also inspires us to explore new locations in pursuit of avian sightings. Fortunately, extensive travel or challenging terrains are not prerequisites, as the adage goes, 'birds are everywhere.'

Studies have also linked birdwatching to improved physical health. Walking, an integral part of birding, is a low-impact exercise that provides numerous benefits for the cardiovascular system. It helps strengthen muscles, enhance endurance, and fosters synchronized breathing.

What's more, as you delve deeper into the world of birdwatching, this gentle exercise transforms into an enjoyable pastime that you'll find yourself revisiting more often.

Enhancing Knowledge and Education

As the community of birdwatchers continues to grow, the availability of information regarding bird populations has expanded, making it more accessible than ever before. This accessibility has encouraged more individuals to join the ranks as observers and share their insights through virtual platforms. These platforms include websites, social networks, eBird, iNaturalist, and various others.

This surge in participation has formed the foundation for the broadening of knowledge about avifauna. It has also fostered educational connections that have played a pivotal role in initiating significant conservation initiatives.

Building a Sense of Community

Research has highlighted the significance of a sense of belonging as a key factor in the success of conservation projects. Increased community involvement in environmental processes that directly affect their locality leads to enhanced development and more informed decision-making regarding our surroundings. Birds, renowned for their charismatic appeal and ease of observation compared to other wildlife, offer a diverse and dynamic response to ecosystem changes, making them an ideal focal point for community engagement.

Today, an ever-growing number of individuals are participating in this activity, whether individually or as part of groups. These collective efforts have a profoundly positive impact on our understanding of avifauna.

Contributing to Conservation

The Cornell Lab's eBird tool has emerged as the ultimate platform for consolidating data contributed by bird enthusiasts from across the globe. Countless bird studies and conservation initiatives have found their foundation in this remarkable application. During Global Big Day, the birding community unites simultaneously in various corners of the world, presenting an unparalleled opportunity to amass a wealth of information.

Osa Conservation is set to welcome migratory birds, diligently recording their sightings through eBird, and extending an open invitation to the entire community eager to participate. This marks the inception of a comprehensive bird population monitoring effort at the Osa Conservation Campus.

Conclusion

Birds play a pivotal role in benefiting our environment, making their conservation a collective responsibility. This holds especially true for those residing in one of the planet's most biologically diverse regions—the Osa Peninsula, home to over 430 bird species. Birdwatching offers an enjoyable and relaxing way to connect with nature and contribute to their conservation. By recording your bird sightings on the eBird platform, you help expand local knowledge about these magnificent creatures.

Are you ready to take part in this exciting endeavor on October 14th?