As someone who easily gets swept up in the challenge of IDing a bird, I really like the intentionality of mindful birding. When I notice a bird but can’t seem to get a good enough look at it I can focus on it so much that I don’t enjoy everything else around me. But birding is a great way to connect with nature and excuse to go outdoors.

Just this week, Sophia Wood describing her daily birding log reminded me how I’ve missed the intentionality of paying attention to the birds in my neighborhood. I could use some more mindfulness.

I also want to look more into the organizations they mentioned working to make birding accessible to more people. As hobbies go, birding has a pretty low barrier to entry. But the best birding spots should be available to people of all abilities so everyone can enjoy it.