The Positive Cognitive Effects of Having a Birdbrain
- Apr 23
- 2 min read
By Ann Paul, Tampa Audubon President
I think it’s something that us birdwatchers have known for a while – that when we see a bird, identify one that we didn’t know before, or even recognize an old winged friend – we feel a jolt of joy. We detect within ourselves a happy feeling, a sense of accomplishment associated with wonder; an altogether good feeling. This is why when we see and appreciate a bird on a field trip or in our backyards, we want to see another one. We are infatuated with the birds and we want more.
Now, scientists are studying brains of people watching and identifying birds, in a lab setting using MRI technology. Essentially, scientists have quantified that brains light up in the regions that process object identification, visual processing, attention and working memory during these exercises. They are suggesting that it’s a good response and good for the studied brains to experience this kind of response. They also speculate that people who are more expert birders may have developed some protection against age-related cognitive decline.
The study also considered that there may be other factors that helped birdwatchers’ brains as they age, such as a more active lifestyle, walking, being in nature, and – I’d like to think – the social relationship: talking with others about their birding experiences in the field.
The study suggests a better quality of life for people who like to go bird-watching, just like us, so let’s get out there and do some more! And while we are out there, let’s recognize what it takes to manage habitats for birds and other wildlife. As our birdwatching predecessor Roger Tory Peterson said, “Birds are indicators of the environment. If they are in trouble, we know we’ll soon be in trouble.”
Read in Smithsonian Magazine: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/becoming-an-expert-birder-can-reshape-your-brain-and-might-help-protect-it-from-aging-new-research-suggests-180988489/
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