Bird-watching can Increase happiness as much as a pay raise, study shows

Finding a little extra happiness in even the smallest things is key to survival. And although buying new things to accommodate your new indoor lifestyle may be a tempting way to boost your mood short-term, there are several ways to do so that are more sustainable, and that won't cost you a pretty penny. One technique that's become increasingly popular has been birding.

Bird watching — and spotting new types of birds — is reportedly linked to our happiness and well-being, and overtime, can bring equal happiness to a pay raise, according to recent studies led by the Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, the iDiv, and the University of Kiel. So for the sake of your mental health, consider investing in a decent pair of binoculars, and head to the park for a full day of nature appreciation. 

"Europeans are particularly satisfied with their lives if their immediate surroundings host a high species diversity," according to the study's lead author, Joel Methorst. "According to our findings, the happiest Europeans are those who can experience numerous different bird species in their daily life, or who live in near-natural surroundings that are home to many species." 

Many past studies have linked mental health with nature and plants, but more recently, according to ScienceDaily, bird watching and biodiversity as a whole has been recognized to increase human well-being. Scientists of the Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, the iDiv, and the University of Kiel looked at data from the 2012 European Quality of Life Survey to delve into the connection between biodiversity and human satisfaction. The survey polled 26,000 adults from 26 European countries. 

The authors found that being surrounded by at least 14 different species of birds can bring as much satisfaction as earning an additional 124€ (about $150 USD) monthly, which is based on an average income of 1,237€ (about $1,496) per month. 

"Much to our surprise, we found that avian diversity is as important for their life satisfaction as is their income," explains Professor Dr. Katrin Böhning-Gaese from Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre.

Although the linkage between bird watching and happiness sounds as phony as curing your sadness by going on a walk, there's apparently some science behind it all. Apparently, birds are generally the most visible indication of biological diversity, as per EcoWatch, especially in city settings, where trees, wildlife, and plants are more of a rarity. Foliage and greenery has been proven to be mood-boosters, because they improve air quality and can actually make us all-around healthier. 

Birds are also generally found in more natural and biodiverse areas that are within close proximity to water. Research from the Canal & River Trust shows that being near water also has links to mental health benefits. So the existence of birds, and biodiversity as a whole, can seriously benefit your well-being in the long-run. 

Even if you live in as big of an asphalt jungle as New York City, do your brain a favor and take a day trip to one of the city's many parks — it could seriously help you out this winter. 

Editor's Note: The article was originally published in December 2020.