The Other Sides to Bird Watching

Travel

As your interest grows you may tend to travel further afield to see birds, especially ones that you would not see in your locality. Some even travel the world in search of a particular bird or birds. Travel in itself and for its own experiences is worth doing. I know that I relish the journey as much as the time spent at the destination and the longer the journey the better.  If you have time you can stop on route and explore that location. For me planning the trip is a worthwhile experience. This probably goes back to my hiking holidays and planning routes, food needed etc.

Tranquillity

Bird watching can be a very tranquil experience, even more so when you are alone and not many other people are in the same spot.  It does not get better than sitting eating your packed lunch in a delightfully quiet spot, looking out over the scene before you.

New Experiences

It is always good to experience something new no matter what it is. It adds to your knowledge base and memories. It gives you material to create comparisons and make decisions about what you really like about life. They can also put you at a metaphorical junction with options about which way to go in life.

Exercise and Health benefits

Of course walking around the countryside following you pursuit is giving you exercise and the more you do the better. Some walks I do are often over 7 miles and more. If the terrain is steep or rugged then more energy is consumed, even walking on sand is strenuous. 3 miles on a beach is probably worth 6 on a road. Equally I have found that when I am out walking I eat less and rarely feel hungry.  Whilst \I do use a gym being outside enjoying nature must be better for you physically and psychologically.

Meeting new and interesting people.

Sometimes as with other pursuits you meet people who are friendly, and like you hungry for nature and all that it gives us.

Gaining knowledge

Anything that improves your knowledge base is worthwhile. As part of your hobby you will read and study books, search for information on the internet, watch related TV programs and of course learn from your fellow nature watchers and birders …….

Education

……. So that you too may pass on information especially to the young. Find ways of passing on your knowledge, write a book, create a blog, post on social media, talk to people, offer to give talks.

Experience Nature

Of course as you seek out birds to observe and photograph you are in constant contact with nature in all its wonders. When the birds are not present look at the sky, observe the weather, look for flora and fauna. In fact some of my most memorable experiences have been when nature is at its extreme – freezing snow storms, deluges etc.  To feel in touch with nature is one of the best feelings you can have. To feel that you have controlled nature by staying warm and dry  in freezing and wet conditions is incredible. Try camping in The lake District or Scotland and you may experience all conditions in one day!

Helping the environment