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.

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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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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

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

Show more:

7 research pieces

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