Birding is having a moment. The hobby of spotting and listening to birds, meeting others to do so in groups and sharing experiences on social media is more popular than ever among young people.
Research commissioned by the UK’s Royal Society for the Protection of Birds says there are now some 750,000 gen-Z birders in Britain – more than a 1,000% increase since 2018.
Meanwhile the birding app Merlin, designed to help identify bird calls, has more than 10 million downloads on Android phones, while it ranks third in Apple’s reference category on the App Store.
Fans agree this is a hobby with a guaranteed payoff. Anyone who heads off into the countryside – or even city – with open eyes and ears will encounter birds almost everywhere.
You can set your own focus: simply observe whatever is chirping and flying past, or make a point of getting to know specific species. Interested? Wildlife conservation foundation Deutsche Wildtier Stiftung has three points of advice for anyone interested in quickly getting started.
1. The right place and time
The best time to watch birds is in the early morning and evening hours. Just before sunrise and sunset, most birds are at their most active. Owls, on the other hand, are better seen and heard under a starlit sky.
Nature reserves and landscape conservation areas are ideal for discoveries – particularly those with viewing platforms near gathering spots or breeding grounds. In cities, bird enthusiasts can try allotment gardens, parks, cemeteries or old industrial wasteland.
2. The right equipment
Binoculars help you get a closer look at birds. The foundation recommends an 8×42 model – meaning the image is magnified eight times and the front lens has a diameter of 42 mm. A large lens is useful because it captures more light, making it suitable for poor lighting conditions too.
Since the ideal is to get out into nature, sturdy clothing is practical – ideally with pockets for insect repellent, tick spray and a notebook with a pen. Anyone planning a longer outing should also bring some snacks and some water.
Identification aids come in both analogue and digital form. While some prefer a field guide, others download an app that identifies birds by their song or from a photo. Free options include Merlin Bird ID and BirdNET.
3. The right behaviour
Calm behaviour is essential, as birds are sensitive to sudden movements or loud noises. Move slowly and deliberately, and settle quietly near a hedge or the edge of a wood rather than walking around too much.
Stick to marked paths and do not approach birds too closely. Do not follow them for the sake of a better photo either. Nests in particular are off-limits. If parent birds feel disturbed, they may abandon their brood, causing eggs or chicks to die from cold exposure.
Conservationists also ask that people refrain from using audio recordings to attract birds – for example by playing back the calls of certain species. This can trigger territorial behaviour, cause stress and disrupt breeding.
