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
Get started with our wildlife observation practice instructions in our free mobile app
- • Identify focus areas for growth
- • Discover activities for improvement
- • Track and reflect on progress
- • Adjust your wellness routine
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In a hurry and don't have any questions?
Check out our safety recommendations.
If you want to stay close to home, find a spot where you can observe the outdoors.
Get a comfortable chair, cushion or place to stand.
Slow down, listen and watch.
When you spot birds, animals or insects, keep a distance and watch how they move.
When you're ready, head to our Practice Guides and get started.
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!
What wildlife observation looks like
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
Real people's experiences
Starting wild life observation? Read this first
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.
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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!"
Try wildlife observation today
- • Identify focus areas for growth
- • Discover activities for improvement
- • Track and reflect on progress
- • Adjust your wellness routine
What you need to know about wildlife observation
Let's compare three different ways to start wild life observation for the first time: self-led (using online guided sources), group (IRL) and 1:1 with an instructor (online or IRL).
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
Elephants can recognize themselves in a mirror, showing signs of self-awareness.
Jane Goodall began observing chimpanzees in Gombe, Tanzania in 1960.
David Attenborough was knighted twice: in 1985 & again in 2020 for his services to broadcasting & wildlife conservation.
"March of the Penguins" won an Academy Award for Best Documentary in 2006.
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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
Introduction guides from around the web
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