South Africa’s incredible bird diversity makes it one of the best places in the world for bird watching. With over 800 recorded species of birds across varied habitats ranging from coasts to mountains and forests, you’ll always find something whenever you pick up your binoculars.
Initially, I was never really interested in birding. I never understood birders, or twitchers, as they are known. It all changed when I had the opportunity to attend a birding weekend with the SANParks Honorary Rangers in the Kruger National Park. I opened up a whole new world. I was already obsessed with nature and wildlife. Still, this birding-focused trip (yes, we ignored elephants and other wildlife) opened my eyes and made me realise why birding is a brilliant hobby for nature lovers. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons to take up birding as a hobby if you love nature.
Birding can be competitive
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced birder in South Africa, birding often involves making life lists if you choose to do that. When you start, it will be very easy to add new birds to your list, but as time goes on and you have seen a lot of species, it becomes more difficult to add birds you have never seen to the list. This means spending more time in nature and visiting new areas to see new species.
Birding gets you outside
Living indoors on the couch behind the TV has become the norm for many people. Birding gets you outside, even if it is just your garden. It gets you exploring some of South Africa’s most scenic natural areas, making it a great hobby for nature lovers. From the lush forests to the arid Karoo, you will see breathtaking landscapes while keeping your eyes peeled for elusive species. Some of the most rewarding sightings include spotting rare raptors soaring over the Drakensberg, coming face to face with Cape Fynbos specialists, or spotting the colourful Narina trogon in our indigenous forests.
Birding as a hobby is not seasonal
Birds do not stop chirping simply because the seasons change. Some might leave and new species arrive, but this does not make birding less exciting. Unlike many outdoor activities, like splashing around in the swimming pool, that depend on the seasons (unless the water is warm), bird watching is an outdoor hobby you can enjoy throughout the year. South Africa’s climate means that each season brings a different birding experience. Spring and summer are perfect for spotting migratory species. At the same time, winter offers better chances to see local species without the distraction of thick foliage. This makes birding the perfect hobby for nature lovers throughout the year.
No specialised equipment
Many hobbies and sports require specialised equipment, special shoes, clothing, and more, but you don’t need much when choosing birding as a hobby. Binoculars and a bird field guidebook or app might be useful, but you could also sit back and just enjoy looking at birds in your backyard without fancy equipment if they venture close enough.
Learn patience and perseverance
Birding as a hobby will teach you patience and might even frustrate you at times. Hearing a bird in a tree and standing below the canopy searching for it might be challenging. Searching for a rare bird visiting an area may be like searching for a needle in a haystack. I hear the Diederick cuckoo all summer in my neighbourhood and never manage to take photos of it.
Birding is for everyone
There is no age restriction to birding as a hobby for nature lovers. You can look at birds and learn to identify them whether you are 8 or 80. There are even bird books specifically for youngsters. It may be challenging to ID those little brown birds, but you could even get a field guide just for these species.
Always see something
Remember that trip to the park or nature reserve, where you drove around for hours with little to see? This changes when you take up birding as a hobby. If you are interested in birding, there will always be something to see if you take it slow.
Health benefits of birding
Not only is bird watching a relaxing hobby, it also has health benefits. Spending time in nature reduces stress and being attentive to spot different avian species provides mental stimulation. Little brown birds might be challenging to ID, so it requires looking at many different elements and even the surroundings to make the correct call.
Want to find more hobbies for nature lovers? Read our article on nine hobbies to get you closer to nature
Birding as a family-friendly hobby
Birding is a family-friendly activity that kids can easily get involved in, and you don’t have to travel far to enjoy your new hobby. The entire family can easily identify the birds in the backyard over morning coffee!
Get your very own bird feeder on Yaga to hang in your garden
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As you learn to identify more species, your birding skills will expand. Joining a local bird club is a great way to get guidance from experienced spotters. South Africa’s birding hotspots like Cape Town, Kruger and KZN offer organised trips to track down speciality birds. Before long, you’ll be an expert bird watcher with a lifetime of incredible bird adventures to look back on.
Bird watching isn’t just a solo pursuit. There are vibrant birding communities across South Africa, from online forums to in-person groups. Many birders are eager to share their knowledge, and you’ll find yourself in the company of like-minded nature lovers. Joining birding clubs, participating in local bird counts, and attending events like the annual BirdLife South Africa Bird Fair can deepen your involvement in this rewarding hobby.
A passport to your next adventure
Your new bird-watching hobby also opens unique travel opportunities, allowing you to explore the country’s most pristine areas. You will discover hidden gems like the West Coast National Park during springtime when the flamingos gather or the vast wetlands of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. By visiting birding hotspots, you contribute to eco-tourism efforts that help fund the conservation of these vital habitats. Birdwatching can certainly take you to unusual, off-the-beaten-path places.
Learning a secret language
The other morning the common mynahs near my house went crazy. The Blacksmith lapwings flew in circles overhead and called, almost like chasing someone from their eggs. I knew I had to pay attention. The next moment, an African harrier hawk landed in a nearby tree. Birds are nature’s gossip columnists, broadcasting predator warnings or sharing tips on where to find food. Understanding bird behaviour gives you a new perspective on the natural world’s interconnectedness.
Science without the lab coat
I use BirdLasser, but there are many platforms where you can create digital bird lists. By contributing to citizen science platforms or participating in bird counts you can make a tangible impact on conservation efforts while doing something you love.
Birds are weird
Still not convinced watching birds will be for you? Where else can you encounter something that can mimic human voices, perform dance routines, or build ridiculously elaborate nests to impress a mate? Birds are quirky, fascinating, and endlessly entertaining.
Bird watching in South Africa is more than a hobby, it is a journey into the heart of the country’s natural beauty. From the thrill of spotting rare species to the sense of peace found in nature, birding offers something for everyone. So, grab your binoculars and step outside. You never know what feathered wonders await!
Do you have more reasons to take up birding as a hobby? How has it made a difference and added value to your life? Share your reasons and stories with us in the comment section.
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Main image: A bird taking off next to the water. Photo: Ilse Olive, Pexels.
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