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.
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.
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.
Looking for detailed practice guides? Hang tight, they are coming soon!
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!
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
David Attenborough
Person
Bill Bailey
Person
Chris Froome
Sports
Springwatch
TV Show
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.
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
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Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately for the conditions.
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Consider the environment and prepare for any location specific requirements.
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Stay on marked paths and maintain a safe distance from wildlife.
🤔
"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!"
Are you ready to start wildlife observation?
We are busy working on detailed getting started guides and individual practice guides to follow.
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
2nd pick
3rd pick
Availability
Widely
Moderately
Moderately
Average cost per session
Free or low cost
Free or low cost
Expensive
Special equipment required
None or minimal
None or minimal
None or minimal
Potential for socialisation & community
Mostly solo
Highly social
Social potential
Safety & skill building
Consider risks
Safe & fast
Safe & fast
Space or privacy required
Minimal
Minimal
Some required
Ease of scheduling
Very flexible
Need to plan
Need to plan
Setup time
Little to none
Over 30 mins
Up to 30 mins
Active practice time
Under 20 mins
Up to an hour
An hour +
Unexpected advantages
Random
Random
Actually useful
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.
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4 facts
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7 memes
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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