Is Birdwatching The New Cool?

Is Birdwatching the new cool? I know I’m behind the game and am as surprised as you are, but I’m going to admit to you- I totally get it. Waiting to spot avian life may seem to some like a waste of time, but we need more moments that allow us to find beauty in the world.

During the month of January, I embarked on a literary escapade and plunked myself down in Portugal. I spent most of my time in Tavira —a small hidden gem and a world away from the crowds and tourist traps of more popular Algarve beach towns. Things moved at the exact pace I needed to steady myself. Nature was positioned around a picturesque fishermen’s village— and some days, time actually felt like it may have stopped.

From the ancient walls of castles to the intricate patterns of Azulejos, my sojourn in Portugal made me appreciate the simple things, and some of those simple things just happened to chirp, croak, caw, and hoot.

I spent days at cafes, free-flowing in a world of words. And when I would break from my computer screen, I watched The Gilao River flow past my views, grooving like it was slow dancing. A reminder for me to slow down. As the river flowed and the absence of onlookers allowed my focus to settle, I centred my attention on other things that made this tiny town so charming, like my new feathered friends.

It was off-season, but a few tourist boats were running on the river en route to the waterways of Ria Formosa, and one day, I couldn’t help but watch with fascination the excitement of the people boarding one of the vessels on a mission to Birdwatch. This tour covered a wide range of abilities, from novice to expert birder. Being captivated by birds and learning to identify them with skill are two different things I’ve learned, and it takes time to discern what you see with confidence. The great thing about being a beginning noticer of birds, I guess, is that everything is new.
Trust me; I don’t plan on dressing in safari chic, running into the forest, or strapping a pair of Louis Vuitton binoculars around my neck ( is that a thing?) anytime soon. Still, I warmed up to the idea of birding in Portugal, and it is rather remarkable. 

Birdwatchers flock to Tavira year-round. And the nice thing about birdwatching, I’ve discovered, is that it calls for patience, which we should all practice more regularly. On clear and windy days, birds may be hiding in the trees, or hints of bird life may tease you as you walk through trails. You might even spend an hour in a park and struggle to spot a single bird. 

I overheard one guide in town instructing his group to “cup your hand around your ears to help you focus on birdsong." A trick to capture their undivided attention. Which is more challenging in a world full of distractions and a sea of digital clutter. He told them to spend time soaking in the environment and sounds of nature. I like the idea of escaping our focus on human beings and reaping the rewards and reverberations of organic life. Birdwatching transforms us into mindful adventurers as we watch with presence, compassion and openness.

Many nature spots cradled Tavira that were easy to access. The Saltpans was a hot spot with regular flamingo, stork, stilts, avocet and bee-eaters sightings. Because of areas like this, Tavira naturally draws dedicated bird enthusiasts, and it is one of its tourism niches. The town’s variety of birds are some of the best brand ambassadors of the natural world.

But you don’t need to jet off to an exotic location to see a myriad of birdlife up close, and once you begin even noticing birds, no street, sky, or forest ever looks the same. 

Now back to Canadian summers, starting my day with coffee and my patio sanctuary, I make sure to look up. Last week, it was as if I was witnessing a real-life Disney scene unfold. Not a Snow White musical extravaganza, but close. It was still early enough that the birds were louder than the engines beginning to roar on the city streets, and there, amidst an avian ensemble, appeared a little black sparrow who decided to strut fearlessly along the patio ledges, unfazed even with my cat lurking nearby who was plotting his pounce.
This little bird had taken a liking to my company for weeks with regular visits, but today was accompanied by a feathery pal. They eventually perched themselves on the clothesline between my place and the neighbours. They seemed to have a secret to share, and as I sat there, feeling like I was in a cartoon, their tiny cheeks puffed out, and they chirped and squeaked with sheer joy. It was as if they were delivering the perfect morning message I needed to kick-start my day.

I couldn't help but admire the sparrow's fashion-forward face pattern. Chic white stripes above and below its tiny eyes, with a touch of black on its cute little throat. 

My husband playfully ribs me for being a nature-loving hippy, but who can blame me? We're all interconnected and can communicate with animals, big and small. The sparrows and I shared a precious moment, and noticing the nuances and the show of charming quirks and flamboyant feather displays is available to us all if we're patient and we pay attention. 

Birdwatching is like a symphony for the senses, where if we choose, we can tune in to the delicate chirps and watch in awe their graceful aerial acrobatics and avian theatrics. 

I get what all the hype is about.