Birdwatching can be a beneficial activity during the Covid-19 pandemic. Obviously, many of us have not had access to beaches, parks or any wilderness area. Those are slowly beginning to open now, but even without access to those areas, bird-watching is usually possible. I have seen ravens in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, and hummingbirds in urban community gardens. There are lots of birds in your own backyard. Here’s one in mine:
American Bushtit
Of course, if it is still snowing where you are, you may see other kinds of birds – winter birds – like chickadees, cardinals and some woodpeckers. There are lots of winter birds that can be happy in the snow. If you have a feeder, they will be even happier!
Being in quarantine or socially distanced, for many humans, who are primates after all, can feel very unnatural. Primates are mostly group-oriented species. It is so vital to maintain a sense of connection to each other, but also, I would suggest, to other species: flora and fauna. I know that many people have found solace during these times in gardening or simple planting, walks outside (with masks), and birdwatching had already been on the rise, but has now become even more popular. Watching birds connects us to each other in a mutual appreciation of species that are vital to our ecosystems, and also, because of their ability to fly and migrate, symbolize freedom and also global connectedness – their flight patterns really do connect the world!
See migration map released by Cornell Ornithology: https://ebird.org/science
Birdwatching at times of stress (and pandemics are about as stressful as it gets) can relieve anxiety, create a sense of connection, fulfill a need for beauty and a sense of wonder. These feelings are all great immune-system boosters, as well! It is a proven fact that stress hormones can suppress the immune system. So, for sensitive groups, a sense of well-being can be even more essential to resisting viruses.
I will not say birdwatching is a panacea, but for me and many others, the benefits are many. As long as we watch birds in a caring and respectful manner, it can benefit them, as well, by interesting people in their conservation and welfare.
Caring and respectful birdwatching:
- Keep your distance. Birds have a comfort zone.
- Do not trample their territory. Many birds rely on topsoil and vegetation for their livelihood and ecosystem health!
- Silence is golden. Loud talking and noises scare birds. Even the squeak of a shoe can scare a bird away.
- Learn everything you can about the birds in an area, and then you will know what to look for and where.
- Do NOT disturb nests! It is vital not to let your curiosity take over. Leave that nest alone and don’t ogle the hatchlings! It scares them and prevents mom and dad from feeding them in a timely manner.
Hope that you get a chance to experience the wonder of birds and that it brings you joy at this troubling time.