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Research company Fifty5Blue carried out a study, which has subsequently been published by the RSPB, showing that almost three-quarters of a million 16 to 29-year-olds (often referred to as Gen-Z) across Great Britain now regularly enjoy birdwatching, representing a 10-fold (1088%) increase since 2018. And what is even more encouraging is that the number of young birdwatchers continues to rise.

More broadly, there has been an apparent 47% increase over the past eight years in the number of people across Great Britain who regularly birdwatch, amounting to over four million. And whilst we have seen the largest uptake in the hobby among Gen Z, there has been a general increase in the number of birdwatchers across almost every age group.

Reflecting on the research, 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 means 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.”

Molly Brown, 29, a wildlife expert at the RSPB, said: “People of all ages are discovering the joy that connecting with nature brings. 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. And it’s something that everyone can do, no matter how much or little they know about birds. It’ll inspire you to get outside and discover beautiful green spaces, exercise and generally slow down, which everyone can benefit from.”

The new findings were revealed ahead of International Dawn Chorus Day, which usually takes place on the first Sunday in May. The day marks the moment each spring when the early morning song reaches its peak, and is performed by birds looking for love and/or to defend their patch.

Molly added, “Most of us are asleep when the dawn chorus happens, but it’s truly a sound worth waking up for. There’s no right way to experience it, whether you listen from your bedroom window, walk along a riverbank or through a woodland, or visit a nature reserve. The most important thing is that you’re ready to hear it around 45 minutes before dawn, when the air is still, and the light is low. It can be an unbelievable spectacle — and if you’re not already into watching birds, you very likely will be after experiencing the dawn chorus.”

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.”

As well as the joy that connecting with nature and listening to birdsong can bring, research has found that it brings a multitude of benefits to our mental and physical well-being, and that watching birds may even slow age-related cognitive decline.

Dr Amir continued: “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.”

This is all great news. Let’s just hope that not only do they continue to enjoy and care for birds, but that they also encourage others to take an interest.