Birding for the Mind

Ann Marie Geiger birds on a boardwalk

"With constant reminders about all the turmoil going on in the world and the fact that my body often betrays me, I find that birding refocuses my mind and takes me to another place—a better place," writes Birdability Captain Ann Marie Geiger. In those moments, anxiety and physical pain dissipate, like storm clouds breaking up after a downpour. It’s a subtle but profound shift—tense muscles begin to loosen, and suddenly, she’s breathing again, even though she hadn’t realized she’d been holding her breath.

This is the power of birding. It’s about being present—feeling the warm sun, the touch of a breeze on your face, and focusing on the movement around you. Ann Marie’s experience of trying to pinpoint where bird sounds are coming from and the thrill of discovering what might be around the next bend on a trail embodies what it means to live in the moment. As she describes, birds bring the world to life with their soft feathers, intricate textures, and an array of colors that remind us of the beauty in this complicated world.

As we recognize World Mental Health Day on October 10, 2024, it's a perfect time to explore the healing power of nature—especially the simple act of birding. For many in the Birdability community, birding isn’t just a hobby; it’s a vital part of maintaining mental wellness. As these submissions by the Birdability community for last year’s Birds, Mental Health, and Mindful Birding Celebration during Birdability Week 2023 illustrate, birding offers more than just a connection to nature—it’s a pathway to healing. 

Eastern Bluebird

For Mikael Behrens, birding has been a vital part of his life since the late 1990s, when he took an ornithology class in college. It has become more than just a hobby; it’s a local connection to nature and a meaningful source of comfort during challenging times. "During difficult times when I have felt uncertain and doubtful about the future and my place in it, a morning spent birding in my neighborhood would help," he reflects. Being fully immersed in the sights and sounds of birding not only clears his mind but also makes him feel alive and excited about each moment.

For many, birding is more than just seeing birds; it’s a lifeline, a refuge from daily struggles, and a reminder that nature continues on, no matter what’s happening. Carol Tepper, a Birdability Captain, finds comfort in this continuity, saying, "It is good to know that some birds will go about their activities, and the natural world will continue in some form, no matter what happens in human society." It’s this steady rhythm of nature that brings reassurance and a renewed sense of purpose.

Ann Marie touches on something that resonates deeply for others: the idea that birding can offer a sense of freedom. "My life may be restricted by my body or mind, but birds represent the ultimate freedom—the freedom to go anywhere and everywhere. Truly a dream!" This sense of liberation is echoed in stories from people like Katherine Boyk, who found that birding provided an unexpected positive outlet for her hypervigilance, a symptom of PTSD. "It surprises me, in a way, that through birding I actually benefitted from hypervigilance, a symptom that can often be debilitating." For Katherine, birding helped channel a challenging symptom into something empowering, offering a sense of peace and community.

Sandhill Crane

The impact of birding on mental wellness is profound for families, too. Deanna Taylor shares how birding transformed her son’s life, an autistic child with ADHD. As he broke free from hours of screen time and found joy in the natural world, the whole family discovered something they never knew they were missing. "My son gave us all this gift that we never knew we were missing in our lives—peace, respect for nature, and just joy for living in the moment."

For Angela Cobas, birding has been a constant through life’s ups and downs, offering stability and focus. "For us on the autism spectrum especially, engaging with a passion brings great joy and satisfaction," she shares. In the face of emotional challenges, birding serves as a source of comfort and beauty.

Tree Swallows

After each birding outing, Ann Marie returns home feeling lighter, even if nothing in the world has actually changed. The experience changes her, though. "Birding has changed me for the better," she says. That sentiment echoes through the stories of others who’ve found solace and strength in the natural world. It’s about finding those moments of calm amidst chaos and knowing that the simple act of watching birds can make life feel a little easier.

In connecting with nature, we connect with ourselves. These shared stories remind us that even in a world full of uncertainty, there is still peace to be found in the flutter of wings and the song of birds. Birding is more than just a pastime; it’s a practice in healing, a celebration of resilience, and a powerful reminder of the beauty that persists, even when things feel difficult.