A beginner's guide to: Wildlife observation

bird watching, animal watching, nature observation, bear cams

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.

In a hurry and don't have any questions?

  1. Check out our safety recommendations.

  2. If you want to stay close to home, find a spot where you can observe the outdoors.

  3. Get a comfortable chair, cushion or place to stand.

  4. Slow down, listen and watch.

  5. When you spot birds, animals or insects, keep a distance and watch how they move.

  6. When you're ready, head to our Practice Guides and get started.

Looking for detailed practice guides? Hang tight, they are coming soon!

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!

Why wildlife observation is good for you

Adding wildlife observation to your routine enhances health by reducing stress, improving focus and promoting emotional stability through nature connection. Here are some more benefits to consider.

Stress relief

Emotional well-being

Mental clarity

Intellectual well-being

Emotional balance

Emotional well-being

Physical activity

Physical well-being

Present moment awareness

Emotional well-being, Self well-being

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.

⚠️

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!"

Getting started guides coming soon...

Are you ready to start wildlife observation?

We are busy working on detailed getting started guides and individual practice guides to follow.

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

A group of flamingos is called a "flamboyance.”

The term "birdwatching" first appeared in the early 1900s.

Did you know: Some ants use the stars to navigate at night.

Jane Goodall began observing chimpanzees in Gombe, Tanzania in 1960.

Show more:

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

Show more:

7 research pieces

Introduction guides from around the web

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