Did you know you can go birdwatching on the web without leaving home?
Birdwatchers are often encouraged to get out into nature and enjoy the great outdoors. Unfortunately, there are people with mobility or chronic health issues that do not have that luxury. And with the news of coronavirus, which has been named a global pandemic bird watching groups are canceling many events.
They say that outdoor pursuits are good for the body, mind and spirit. Most mental health experts confirm that it’s great for your mental health. Nature is a calming influence for anxiety and can be helpful for depression.
The truth is this is not a time to put yourself or other people at risk. But if you can have a safe adventure, why not?
Spending time birdwatching solo is an option. This allows you to maintain the recommended “social distance”. Stick to open spaces and avoid getting too close to other people.
If you can go alone, go birding. If not go birdwatching on the web!
Bird Live Stream Sites
Audubon Live Webcams
Audubon Live Webcams offer over 20 live feeds allowing you to see birds in Maine, Connecticut, Arizona, California and other states. You can catch up with the Osprey, the Atlantic puffin, the great horned owl, hummingbirds and the blue jay without leaving your computer.
Cornell Lab Bird Cam
The Cornell Lab is dedicated to education and sharing. Their bird cams connect worldwide viewers to the intimate bird world. Their live streams are set up to be a learning environment.
They want to make their viewers aware of the need for conservation and community.
This site is a good way to get familiar with a wide variety of bird species. They offer online courses. They even have a free eBird Essentials course that will help you get started learning about the birds you are watching.
Birdwatching Headquarters
This site features over 40 live bird feeder cams and 20 live animal cams from around the world.
The private owner has a 24/7 live stream on his bird feeding station. It’s set up in Northeast Ohio close to Cuyahoga Valley National Park. He’s also got 11 Eagle cams, 9 penguin cams, 3 hummingbird cams and lots more. He’s providing a “birds eye view” to his audience.
This site may be a little tough to navigate, but it is interesting and informational. And the cams that are streaming have a lot of activity.
They say that outdoor pursuits are good for the body, mind and spirit. Most mental health experts confirm that it’s great for your mental health. Nature is a calming influence for anxiety and can be helpful for depression.
If you are an experienced birder, go ahead and do what you love. There’s no shame in birdwatching by yourself. But if you are new at birdwatching, and can’t get out, explore the live birder experiences on line.
