The Many Ways of Birding by Karen Andres

I used to think that to be a Birder you needed to be able to find and identify different birds. I’m learning that this isn’t necessarily true. Recently, I have become aware of several other types of birding techniques that don’t require you to identify a single bird!

Years ago, I enrolled in a Mindfulness class and learned about channeling my focus on nothing, yes, you read it right, nothing-just breathing! The focus was on clearing the mind of distraction and training yourself to slow down, reduce stress and anxiety. 

Recently, I enrolled in a webinar on Mindful Birding which focuses on similar principles. To be a mindful birder one needs to find a peaceful spot in nature to be in, possibly a park like Brookside. Bring a journal with you, not necessarily to log in birds but to write down thoughts, feelings, sounds and memories. You may also want a blanket or chair to sit in along the way. Take your time as you are on your walk, try to see all that is around you near and far. Are there any scents that you can pick up? What about sounds? They don’t have to be bird sounds-are they near or far? Maybe you want to sketch something you see. Mindful birding is similar to Forest Bathing. It’s all about getting into nature and getting the benefits from the phytoncides from the trees and microbiomes in the soil. (Studies have linked phytoncide exposure to improve physical and mental well-being,) Take a seat, close your eyes and listen. Did you know that listening to birdsong for as little as 6 minutes a day will relax you for up to 8 hours? Are you relaxed yet? I am just thinking of the walk I will be taking in the woods later.

There is another birding program out there called Birdability. This type of birding focuses on birding for people with various disabilities. This type of birding enables those individuals with a disability whether it’s mobility, sight, hearing, or health to get out in nature and go birding. Connetquot State Park has been designated a Birdability location, thanks to Janet Soley of the Friends of Connetquot. Janet took courses on Birdability which enabled the park to get the designation. They will be having a Birdability event at the park on October 26, 2025. I hope to see you there. 

For those who would like to delve more on these topics, here are some wonderful sites to visit: https://www.themindfulbirdingnetwork.com/birdability.org