They’re the digital generation who seem permanently attached to their phones – but Gen Z are putting their devices down and turning their attention to the skies instead, a new study reveals.
Figures show a massive 10–fold increase in 16 to 29–year–olds regularly birdwatching since 2018 – the equivalent of a 1088 per cent rise.
The research, carried out on behalf of the RSPB, shows that almost three–quarters of a million Gen Z–ers across Great Britain now enjoy the hobby.
With numbers of young birdwatchers continuing to rise it is now one of their fastest growing obsessions, second only to jewellery making.
There has also been a 216 per cent increase in the number of Millennials and a 66 per cent increase in Gen X birdwatchers.
‘People of all ages are discovering the joy that connecting with nature brings,’ Molly Brown, a wildlife expert at the RSPB, said.
‘It’s brilliant to see so many young people choosing to get into birdwatching.
‘This new research shows that watching birds is no longer a niche or old–fashioned pastime and is attracting a younger, more diverse crowd.’
New figures show an enormous increase in the number of young people birdwatching. Social media sites like TikTok are now awash with young people sharing their birdwatching tips
Research has found that listening to birdsong can provide a multitude of benefits for mental and physical wellbeing, and that watching birds may even slow age–related cognitive decline.
Jess Painter, 24, from the RSPB’s Youth Council, said: ‘I’ve noticed more and more young people birdwatching – and I love how this is shifting it into a hobby that’s more accessible, less jargonistic and cool.
‘On social media in particular people are redefining what it is to be into birdwatching, sharing knowledge and passion.
‘When I’m watching birds, I’m not thinking about anything else – it’s a moment of peace and a way to reconnect with nature, and with myself.
‘By taking a moment to be curious, to watch, listen and learn, you open yourself up to endless small moments of wonder.’
Social media sites like TikTok are now awash with young people sharing their birdwatching tips.
One post by a young lady called @beththebirdnerd reads: ‘My therapy isn’t expensive…it’s just me, a walk and whatever birds I can find.’
Beth revealed she’s driven up to four hours in search of a single bird and even hosts bird watching retreats for women which also include skincare sessions.
It’s thought the hobby has blown up in recent years as it offers an escape from daily stress and social media
Another TikTok user said: ‘Never thought I’d enjoy bird watching so much.’
Some tips for ‘birding beginners’ shared online include using your ears before your eyes, letting birds come to you and starting small and local.
Meanwhile on a Reddit post about birdwatching, one person wrote: ‘I’ve gone from absolutely no interest in birds to running round recording them like they’re Pokémon. It’s so satisfying and interesting.’
It’s thought the hobby has blown up in recent years as it offers an escape from daily stress and social media.
There are also a range of smartphone apps which allow novice birdwatchers to identify species.
NHS and TV doctor Dr Amir Khan, President of the RSPB, said: ‘As a GP, I talk to many of my patients about what can happen when we go outside, into our gardens, local green spaces, parks or nature reserves.
‘It helps lift our mood, actively stimulating serotonin, a brain chemical which makes us feel happier.
‘Hearing birdsong, especially during the dawn chorus when they’re at their loudest and most beautiful, can produce more serotonin and make us feel good.
‘For millennia, humans have evolved alongside nature, so it’s inherent that we want to connect with it.
‘There’s even a scientific term for this theory, the biophilia hypothesis, which means we actively seek out nature, and a perfect example of this is listening to birdsong – hearing a blackbird or a song thrush singing is one of the purest joys of life.
‘When we connect with nature, we not only feel an urge to protect it – we also take care of ourselves.’
The new findings have been released ahead of International Dawn Chorus Day, which takes place on Sunday.
This marks the moment each spring when the symphony of early morning song reaches its peak, performed by birds looking for love or defending their patch.
Despite warnings the Dawn Chorus is getting quieter thanks to plummeting bird numbers, the RSPB is still encouraging people to set their alarms a little earlier than usual to listen in to the joy of birdsong at dawn.
