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If you had told me when I was in my 20’s that I’d be writing a blog post about bird watching for couples over 50, I would have laughed.
Now, things have changed. My body has changed, my interests have chanced, and my outlook on life has completely changed.
I used to fear growing older and often wondered what my life would be like in my 50’s. Well, here I am!Â
I’m healthy, happy, and just as eager to start new hobbies as you are.
I’m very fortunate in that I live in a condo that sits directly over a canal. I can sit on my balcony and watch the resident Osprey hunt for fish, scan the water for signs of the seal that occasionally makes an appearance, and duck out of the way when the seagulls fly a little too close for comfort.
Before moving where I live now, I never would have considered bird watching for couples over 50.
But here we are. I’ll admit I haven’t fully taken up the hobby. I do, however, have a deep appreciation for bird watching.
Bird watching is an incredible way for people over 50 to reconnect with the natural world while staying active and curious. It’s also great for our health.
Bird Watching is Healthy! The Studies Are In
In this blog, we’ll explore why bird watching is such a great way to stay engaged with nature, and how you can dive into this rewarding hobby.
In addition to the health benefits associated with bird watching for couples over 50, it can also be a good opportunity to make new friends.
It’s not always easy to make lasting friendships as we age. If you’re interested, read: 5 Easy Ways to Foster New Friendships Over 50.
Why Bird Watching Is Perfect for People Over 50
Bird watching, or “birding,” is accessible to everyone, regardless of experience level or mobility. If you don’t like to venture too far, you can enjoy the hobby from your own backyard.
Of course, you can also take field trips or visit local parks to catch glimpses of the wildlife.
If you’re not sure how to get started, it might be a good idea to sign up for facebook groups dedicated to bird watching. You’ll find lots of valuable information there.
You can also read Birding for Beginners published on the National Park Service website for more information.
The Health Benefits of Bird Watching for Couples Over 50
A large-scale study published in Scientific Reports in 2019 found that spending at least 120 minutes per week in nature is associated with good health and well-being.Â
Birdwatching forces you into stillness and takes you away from the chaos of the everyday world.
While it’s true that you might have a bird app to help you identify what you’re seeing, it’s not the same as being drawn into social media for hours.
There’s something meditative about being out in nature that improves relaxation. And who doesn’t want more of that?
Read: How Time in Nature Can Improve Your Relationship by Elizabeth Kwak-Hefferan of Outsideonline.com.
Physical Health Benefits
Walking and light hiking while birdwatching provides gentle cardiovascular exercise.
This can help with heart health, mobility, and stamina. It makes bird watching for couples over 50 a great choice to keep the joints healthy with gentle movement.
You know what they say about aging joints…motion is lotion. If you’re looking for ways to keep your joints happy and healthy, take a look at 9 Safe Osteo Friendly Yoga For Couples of 50.
The National Audubon Society and American Birding Association have both emphasized that bird watching is a hobby for people of all ages, including those over 50, due to its low physical demands and enriching experience.
Respiratory Health Improvements
Stepping away from low air quality caused by pollution can enhance lung function.
Think about what you breathe into your lungs everyday in the hustle of the daily grind. Now think about the fresh, clean air available in nature.
Enhanced Balance and Coordination
Walking on different terrains while using binoculars requires balance and coordination.
Uneven terrain (unlike the sidewalks we’re used to walking on) forces us to use our core muscles, leg, calf, ankle, and foot muscles to stay balanced.
We also use our hip stabiizers to help keep our legs aligned and to control lateral movementsÂ
At the end of the day, all of these micro movements over time can lead to big health gains.
Relationship Building
Birdwatching for couples over 50, or couples of any age, is a great way to build a stronger relationship. It can help foster connection, relaxation, and a shared experience.
It also takes you away from your iphones, televisions, computers, and tablets, giving you the space to have great conversations without interruption.
Birding allows you, as a couple, to be in the moment, paying attention to the details around you. And finally, you’ll come away from the experience with great memories.
Getting Started With Equipment
A simple pair of binoculars and a field guide are all you need to start identifying different species of birds in your area.
Mobile apps like Merlin Bird ID and resources from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology are helpful tools for new birders.
The following are just suggestions on items you should consider buying before heading for the trails.
The list may be simplified if you’re birdwatching from your backyard. However, as you get more involved in the hobby, you may want to expand your equipment with the following:
Binoculars
As a beginner, look for binoculars with magnification between 8x and 10x (e.g., 8×42 or 10×42). This provides a good balance between magnification and field of view, making it easier to track birds in motion.
Recommended Brands:
Nikon, Vortex, and Celestron offer good-quality, affordable binoculars for beginners.
Field Guide
A bird field guide helps you identify the birds you observe. It provides information on bird species, their habitats, behaviors, and distinctive features.
Choose a guide specific to your region (e.g., Sibley Field Guide for North America) or one that covers a broad range of species in your area. Make sure it has clear illustrations or photos and concise descriptions.
Recommended Brands:
Digital option apps like Merlin Bird ID (free) from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology are excellent alternatives to traditional guides and offer real-time identification features.
Bird Notebook or Journal
Keeping a birdwatching journal helps you track the species you’ve seen, their behaviors, and locations.
This can be a fun way to remember your birding trips and improve your identification skills over time.
Any small, portable notebook works, but some people prefer birding-specific journals that have space for dates, species names, weather conditions, and location details.
Birding Apps
Apps can assist in identifying birds, their calls, and even map sightings. They can help you learn quickly and keep track of species you’ve spotted.
Recommend Bird Watching Apps
Merlin Bird ID (by Cornell Lab of Ornithology): Free and excellent for beginners, offering a simple way to identify birds based on location, size, color, and behavior.
eBird (by Cornell Lab of Ornithology): A global database for bird sightings that helps you log your finds and see where certain species have been observed.
Bird Call Guide or App
Birdsong is one of the easiest ways to identify birds, especially when they’re not visible.
Learning their calls will enhance your birding experience.
You can use birding apps that provide bird call libraries, like Song Sleuth or BirdNET, which help identify birds by sound.
Comfortable Clothing and Footwear
Birdwatching often involves walking or standing for extended periods.
Dressing appropriately for the weather and terrain is key to enjoying your time outdoors.
Wear layered clothing and be prepared for changes in weather. You should also have comfortable, durable, waterproof shoes.
Watch out for ticks!
There are several types of ticks endemic in many regions across North America. Ticks are very tiny and can easily lcatch on to your clothing and skin as you walk through the trails.
Wear light-colored clothing in order to see ticks easily, tuck your pants into your socks to prevent ticks from reaching your skin, and consider puttng a product like DEET on your skin.
Do not use “natural” tick repellants. They don’t work and one tick bite can leave your with a lifetime, chronic disease.
If you DO get bitten by a tick, see a physician as soon as you can.
It’s not that you’re in immediate danger, but you may require prophylactic antiobiotics to ward off a tick disease.
Hat and Sunscreen
Birdwatching often takes place outdoors and in direct sunlight, so protecting yourself from UV rays is important.
A wide-brimmed hat can provide shade and keep glare off your binocular lenses, while sunscreen protects your skin.
Backpack or Daypack
- A small backpack helps you carry your gear, water, snacks, and extra clothing comfortably.
- Look for a lightweight, durable backpack with multiple compartments to organize your birding equipment, such as your binoculars, field guide, and notebook.
Spotting Scope (Optional for Beginners)
- Spotting scopes provide more powerful magnification than binoculars, allowing you to observe birds at great distances (e.g., birds on water or in open fields).
- While they’re more expensive and not essential for beginners, they can be useful as you advance
A spotting scope with a tripod and magnification of around 20x to 60x is good for distant birdwatching, such as observing waterfowl.
Camera (Optional)
If you want to capture images of the birds you see, a camera with a zoom lens is useful for photographing birds without getting too close.
Many birders use DSLR or mirrorless cameras with telephoto lenses (at least 300mm), but even a good smartphone with zoom capabilities can be effective for beginners.
Water and Snacks
Staying hydrated and energized is important when you’re spending hours outside. Bring water and healthy snacks, especially for longer birdwatching outings.
Assistive Technology and Tools For People With Disabilities
There are several types of assistive technology and tools available to help people with disabilities enjoy bird watching.
These tools can enhance accessibility and provide ways for individuals with mobility, vision, or hearing impairments to fully participate in birdwatching activities.
Here are some of the key assistive technologies:
1. Binoculars with Image Stabilization
For people with limited hand mobility or tremors, binoculars with image stabilization technology, such as those made by Canon or Nikon, help reduce the effects of hand shake, allowing for clearer and more stable views of birds.
These are especially helpful for birdwatchers who have conditions like Parkinson’s disease or arthritis.
2. Smartphone Apps for Identifying Birds
Apps like Merlin Bird ID (developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology) allow users to identify birds by their appearance, sounds, and location.
For individuals with visual impairments, these apps provide audio features and can help identify birds based on their calls.
Apps like these can be used with screen readers or magnification tools.
Example: Merlin Bird ID
3. Voice-Controlled Cameras and Binoculars
For people with limited hand mobility, voice-controlled cameras or smartphones can be used to take photos or videos of birds without needing to press buttons.
By using voice commands, users can zoom, capture images, or record videos hands-free.
Devices like the Google Pixel and iPhones offer voice control functionality that can be paired with camera apps.
Example:Voice Control on iPhone
4. Adaptive Birding Platforms and Trails
Many parks and birding areas now feature wheelchair-accessible viewing platforms and trails.
Organizations such as the National Park Service and Wildlife Service are increasingly providing accessible birdwatching locations.
These trails often have railings and smooth surfaces for wheelchair users, and some locations have elevated bird hides that allow for easy viewing from seated positions.
Example:National Park Service Accessibility
5. Birding Scopes with Tablet Integration
Digital birding scopes can connect to tablets or smartphones, allowing people with limited mobility or visual impairments to observe birds on a larger screen.
Some scopes provide zoom features and can display the bird’s image in real-time, allowing individuals to enjoy birdwatching without having to peer through a small eyepiece.
Example:Swarovski Digital Spotting Scope
6. Birdsong Identification Technology
For birdwatchers who are visually impaired, birding by sound can be just as rewarding as by sight. Tools like BirdNET and Song Sleuth are apps that analyze bird songs and calls to identify species.
These apps can be used in tandem with hearing aids or headphones, making it easier for users to identify birds based on their calls.
Example:BirdNET
7. Accessible Field Guides
Many birding field guides are now available in large print or audio format for those with vision impairments.
Organizations like the American Printing House for the Blind provide tactile field guides or audiobooks for birders with low vision.
Example:Birding by Ear Audiobooks
8. Hearing Aids with Sound Enhancement
Advanced hearing aids, like those from Oticon and Phonak, have features that enhance ambient sounds, including bird calls.
These hearing aids can help birdwatchers with hearing loss distinguish between different bird songs and sounds, making it easier to locate birds by ear.
Example:Oticon Hearing Aids
9. Accessible Birding Tours
Many birding tour companies offer accessible trips designed for people with limited mobility or other disabilities. These tours may include wheelchair-accessible transport, raised viewing platforms, and slower-paced itineraries that cater to various abilities.
Example:Birding for All
10. Tactile Bird Identification Tools
For individuals who are blind or visually impaired, tactile bird identification tools, such as raised-relief bird models, can help people understand the size and shape of various bird species.
Some organizations, like Birdability, promote birding spaces that are inclusive for people with different abilities.
Example:Birdability
Best Time and Places for Bird Watching
One of the best ways to enjoy bird watching is to head out early in the morning, especially during fall migration or early spring, when many migratory species are active.
National parks and wildlife service areas are ideal locations, and some of the best places include Cape May Point State Park in New Jersey, famous for observing peregrine falcons and red-tailed hawks, and Central Park in New York, a great spot for urban birding.
Even local parks or nature reserves can be great places for spotting common birds like the northern cardinal, black-capped chickadee, and american robin.
If you live near the coast, you may get lucky and spot bald eagles, great blue herons, and even the occasional brown pelican.
The next time you get asked to babysit the grandkids, you’ll have a good reason to say no. If you’re having trouble saying no, go ahead and read How to Say No to Watching The Grandkids.
Exploring Bird Species Throughout the Year
Depending on the time of year, you’ll be able to observe a variety of species.
The winter months are ideal for seeing red-winged blackbirds and yellow-rumped warblers, while late fall and early spring bring sandhill cranes and other migratory birds back to their breeding grounds.
The summer months offer chances to see great egrets, sooty terns, and even ruddy turnstones along the Atlantic Ocean coast.
And don’t forget about backyard birding—setting up a simple bird feeder with sunflower seeds can attract beautiful birds like the red-headed woodpecker and common nighthawk right to your doorstep.
The Importance of Bird Conservation
As more people become involved in bird watching, organizations like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service stress the importance of bird conservation.
Climate change and habitat destruction are affecting many species, including rare birds like the red-necked phalarope and sooty tern.
Participating in events like the Great Backyard Bird Count or Christmas Bird Counts can help conservation efforts by providing important data about bird sightings and different bird species.
You can also support bird conservation through organizations like the Feminist Bird Club, which works to create inclusive spaces for bird watchers, or by joining birding field trips organized by local tour companies and birding groups.
Many tour operators and bird guides offer special trips to important bird areas and national parks, helping birders get a closer look at wild birds in their natural habitat.
Bird Watching in the U.S. and Beyond
In the United States, states like North Carolina and regions along the Atlantic Ocean coast are great spots to observe a wide variety of migratory species and common birds.
For those seeking an adventure, traveling to South America or along the flyways of North America offers a chance to witness different species of warblers, falcons, and seabirds.
Many bird watchers enjoy taking guided trips with a tour company, where they can see everything from barn swallows to great blue herons.
The wildlife service often offers public programs in national parks, making it a good way to expand your birding knowledge and see more beautiful birds in the wild.
Bird Watching Is for Everyone
Bird watching is no longer seen as a hobby for just middle-aged white men—it has become more inclusive, with bird watchers from all backgrounds, including young female birders and families.
Even TikTok has become a platform for birders to share their experiences and love for birds.
Whether you’re observing red-tailed hawks soaring through the sky or listening to the distinctive song of a northern cardinal, bird watching offers endless joy and discovery.
It’s a great way to connect with the world around you and with the important work of bird conservation.
If bird watching isn’t your thing, you could always read 19 Fun and Interesting Hobbies for Couples Over 50 for more inspiration.
Sources
The study published in Frontiers in Psychology supports the claim that exposure to nature, such as birdwatching, can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and foster mental well-being. Birdwatching requires focused attention, which helps reduce stress and promote mindfulness.
The American Journal of Preventive Medicine study highlights that outdoor activities, including birdwatching, encourage walking and physical movement, which contributes to better cardiovascular health, especially in people over 50.
The Journal of Environmental Psychology outlines how activities like birdwatching enhance cognitive function by improving attention and mental clarity. This is particularly beneficial for older adults, helping reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
The American Psychological Association explains how shared activities, especially outdoor hobbies like birdwatching, can strengthen relationships and improve satisfaction in couples, particularly those over 50.
Conclusion
If you’re over 50 and looking for a good time spent in nature, bird watching is a perfect fit.
It allows you to slow down, appreciate the natural world, and observe a wide range of migratory birds and wild species throughout the year.
With a pair of binoculars and a field guide, you can experience the beauty of different habitats and enjoy the simple pleasures of birding.
