Wildlife observation can be done almost anywhere, from your backyard or balcony to local parks, spotting everything from insects to birds as you explore the natural world around you.
A beginner's guide to: Wildlife observation
bird watching, animal watching, nature observation, bear cams
Want to get into wildlife observation?
- • Open our free app for step-by-step support. You’ll get guides that help you start and stick with it. You don’t need to be a pro, just jump in and give it a go.
- • You’ll also find other activities, with suggestions that match what’s most useful to you right now. Less thinking, more doing.
- • Track what you do, make gains, and adjust as you go.
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Quick Start
These steps will help you start strong.
Check the safety tips
A few must-knows to ensure you’re covered.
See what’s needed
Space, setup, and time. Check the practical stuff so you're good to go.
Start right now
Ready to do it right now? Step straight into a fully guided session.
Need a hand getting started? Our app is packed with beginner-friendly Practice Instructions for every activity—and way more where that came from. Hit the button up top and get moving.
What is wildlife observation?
Wildlife observation is a rewarding and accessible activity that invites you to explore the natural beauty around you. Whether you’re in a bustling city or a quiet rural area, you can find opportunities to observe a diverse array of animals, from tiny insects crawling in your garden to colourful birds perched in trees.
This activity not only helps you connect with the environment but also encourages patience and attentiveness as you learn to notice the subtle movements and behaviours of the creatures around you. By simply slowing down and paying attention, you’ll discover a world that’s been there all along, just waiting to be seen. Ready to start observing who you share your world with? Let’s get into it and find out how you can begin!
Check it out
Why wildlife observation is good for you
Wildlife watching can sharpen focus and spark curiosity. Regular nature connection reduces stress and restores attention effectively.
Restores attention
Focus area: Focus (Impact rating: High)
Boosts curiosity
Focus area: Curiosity (Impact rating: High)
Can trigger positive emotions
Focus area: Lightheartedness (Impact rating: High)
Reduces stress quickly
Focus area: Recovery (Impact rating: High)
Stimulates open-ended thinking
Focus area: Creativity (Impact rating: Medium)
People who love wildlife observation
David Attenborough
Person
Bill Bailey
Person
Chris Froome
Sports
Springwatch
TV Show
Want a closer look at wildlife observation?
Ways to try it, what to expect, and how to stay safe. Read on!
Got your khakis on, binoculars around your neck and keen to get in touch with the natural world? Wildlife observation is safe for everyone, but if you're going out into nature, it's worthwhile taking a look at a few more details we have put together for you.
Common styles
Wildlife observation can be enjoyed in different styles, depending on your interests and environment. Here are a few popular approaches
Backyard observation
Hiking and nature walks
Bird watching
Safety
⚠️
Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately for the conditions.
⚠️
Consider the environment and prepare for any location specific requirements.
⚠️
Stay on marked paths and maintain a safe distance from wildlife.
What you might experience
🤔
"Where should I even look?"
😊
"I didn’t notice that before!"
😬
"Am I being too noisy?"
😌
"This is actually quite interesting."
😊
"I didn’t know I could see so much!"
Start today
- • Open our free app for step-by-step support. You’ll get guides that help you start and stick with it. You don’t need to be a pro, just jump in and give it a go.
- • You’ll also find other activities, with suggestions that match what’s most useful to you right now. Less thinking, more doing.
- • Track what you do, make gains, and adjust as you go.
Explore your options
Whether you go it alone, join a group, or work 1:1 with a teacher, we’ve laid out what each path can look like.
Compare
Recommendation for first-timer
Availability
Average cost per session
Special equipment required
Potential for socialisation & community
Safety & skill building
Space or privacy required
Ease of scheduling
Setup time
Active practice time
Unexpected advantages
Ancestry, history, facts and other trivia
Did you know: Some ants use the stars to navigate at night.
"March of the Penguins" won an Academy Award for Best Documentary in 2006.
The term "birdwatching" first appeared in the early 1900s.
A group of flamingos is called a "flamboyance.”
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4 facts
Popular memes
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7 memes
Academic research we rate
Examining the Effects of Nature and Animal Videos on Stress
Lavan, S., Ein, N., & Vickers, K. (2023). Examining the Effects of Nature and Animal Videos on Stress. Anthrozoös, 36(5), 849–868. https://doi.org/10.1080/08927936.2023.2210439
Biophilia Upscaling: A Systematic Literature Review Based on a Three-Metric Approach
Lefosse, D., van Timmeren, A., & Ratti, C. (2023). Biophilia Upscaling: A Systematic Literature Review Based on a Three-Metric Approach. Sustainability, 15(22), 15702. https://doi.org/10.3390/su152215702
Restorative Effects of Biophilic Workplace and Nature Exposure during Working Time: A Systematic Review
Gonçalves, G., Sousa, C., Fernandes, M. J., Almeida, N., & Sousa, A. (2023). Restorative Effects of Biophilic Workplace and Nature Exposure during Working Time: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(21), 6986. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20216986
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7 research pieces
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