Birding Benefits: A Review of Mental Health, Cognitive, Social, and Conservation Impacts

Abstract

Recently, there have been widespread claims touting the benefits of birding, a type of outdoor recreation where individuals seek a variety of bird species in their natural environment and identify them through both visual and auditory means. Although connections between spending time in nature and mental health are supported by robust data in the field, research has lagged for the specific practice of birding despite claims for its benefits, necessitating a review of the literature. The preliminary clinical evidence demonstrates a variety of positive benefits from birding, including reduced anxiety and stress, increased memory and attention, and opportunities for social and community engagement. There is also initial evidence that the practice of birding confers educational benefits with increased contributions to citizen science and increased conservationist behaviors and environmentalism, areas that are increasingly important because of climate change and habitat destruction. While the extant data indicate cause for optimism regarding the benefits of birding, we discuss areas warranting further investigation. Furthermore, we advocate for continued research in this area, especially because of the access and equity inherent in birding since it is something that anyone can engage in, anywhere in the world.