Follow these tweets for stimulation, rejuvenation and fun
For years, studies have shown that spending time in communion with nature provides life-changing opportunities to de-stress and get active. In fact, the Journal of Environmental Psychology cited a group of five studies in 2010 showing that people gain a sense of vitality that outweighs even the physical effects of exercise when involved in activities in a natural outdoor setting. From the casual observer to the avid enthusiast, one way people are making room for nature is through bird watching.
Dave Youker, president of the Hampton Roads Bird Club, has experienced the positive effects of bird watching firsthand. He says, “The health benefits are obvious: fresh air, walking, socializing and mental exercise. Most people are exposed to too many noise and visual stimulants on a daily basis. Spending time observing the natural world helps us relax and heightens our visual acuity. Birding is an excellent reason to get off the couch and out from in front of the TV.”
While the mention of birding might evoke images of quiet, solitary walks in the woods, it doesn’t have to be done that way. Birding through history has always included opportunities to bond with other enthusiasts in clubs and organizations, many of which have missions of conserving and preserving natural environments in the face of increasing public encroachment. The Virginia Society of Ornithology suggests on its website, “All you need to become a birder is a field guide, a good pair of binoculars, and your fascination with birds.” The organization notes that birders are contributors to “citizen science” and that birding is deeply rooted in nature conservancy.
Geoff Giles, president of the Williamsburg Bird Club, says, “Clubs are welcoming of new birders, and interest and varying degrees of experience are not unique to any age group. Old and young from all walks of life are welcomed and find others who are eager to take them ‘under the wing.’ Everyone has memories of the first good look through binoculars at a stunning bluebird, goldfinch or cardinal, and is happy to relive those moments vicariously when a new birder has his or her first ‘wow’ moment with one of those birds.”
Youker adds, “Club members usually have other equipment like spotting scopes and cameras that help stimulate interest of new birders. Attending presentations at monthly club meetings is another way to learn about local and more distant birds. Joining bird clubs also helps our local bird populations. Many clubs are involved with conservation efforts from maintaining bluebird trails to adopting local habitats.”
A number of birding clubs in the Hampton Roads area provide resources for bird lovers on their websites. The Williamsburg Bird Club includes a detailed list of backyard and migratory birds that one might observe locally, while other area bird clubs supply resources to help novice and experienced birders alike to navigate identification of visiting and native species.
Getting started in birding is a breeze, and the health benefits speak for themselves. From the causal observer to the lifelong aficionado, birding helps us connect and appreciate our natural world.
Eager to Try It?
The following area bird clubs are members of the wider Virginia Society of Ornithology.
www.virginiabirds.net
Hampton Roads Bird Club, Newport News
(757) 344-9385
www.hamptonroadsbirdclub.org
Meets the second Thursday of each month at Sandy Bottom Nature Park (1255 Big Bethel Road, Hampton), 7 p.m. The group conducts bird walks that are open to the public at Newport News Park starting at 7 a.m. on the first and third Sundays of each month.
Williamsburg Bird Club, Williamsburg
www.williamsburgbirdclub.org
Meetings are held once a month at 7 p.m. in room 1127 of the Integrated Science Center at The College of William and Mary. Dates are posted on its website. This group holds bird walks twice a month.
Virginia Beach Audubon Society, Virginia Beach
(757) 495-7775
www.vbaudubon.org
Meets the second Monday of each month at Eastern Shore Chapel (2020 Laskin Road, Virginia Beach), 7 p.m.
Back Bay Birding Club, Virginia Beach
(757) 437-8432
www.awhm.org
Meets four times a year in January, April, July and October on the second Tuesday of the month at the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum (12th Street & Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach), 7 p.m.