Canto de las aves: 8 beneficios de la observación de pájaros. Persona observando aves con prismáticos al sol, disfrutando de la naturaleza y del canto de los pájaros.

The Song of the Birds: 8 Benefits of Birdwatching

In recent months, due to personal interests, I've been bringing different bird identification books to the store. It all stems from my strong attraction to the world of birdwatching. I imagined myself in nature, walking slowly, sharing with others, seeing and hearing the little birds... and just thinking about it filled me with immense peace.

Rocío walking calmly through the forest, enjoying nature and the singing of the birds.

My first steps in birdwatching

I'll tell you how I started, in case you're curious. The truth is, I didn't even know where to begin, because no one in my environment could guide me...

I knew about SEO/BirdLife because my father had been a member years ago, so I looked into it and saw that they organized many field trips. I signed up for one in May and it was a revelation. Although, I have to admit, I got a little discouraged afterwards: I realized that ornithology is not something you learn in a weekend, like making artisan soaps. Oh, naive me!

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A sandpiper on the shore of a wetland, one of the birds that can be observed in Spain.

A new way of looking at the world.

That outing with SEO changed my perspective. I met generous colleagues who told me about apps like Shazam for recognizing bird songs. And that's where I got hooked. I started by going to Retiro Park one afternoon, and I saw some. Then I discovered that the same birds are heard in the square in front of my house. I learned to identify the basics: swifts, blackbirds, greenfinches, and magpies...

In August, in Huelva, I came across starlings, ring doves, and little plovers. Birds that have always been there, but that I had never really "seen." And now I realize that I simply wasn't looking.

Swiftlet in full flight over the blue sky, a common bird in towns and cities of Spain.

8 Benefits of Birdwatching

After these months, I can say that this hobby is doing me a lot of good. So I've stopped for a moment to reflect and write down the benefits I've felt, in case you're also interested:

1. Connection with the environment

Birdwatching has connected me with the place where I live, with the sky and the trees in my neighborhood, which I used to not even look at. It makes me feel part of something bigger and helps me appreciate the biodiversity that surrounds me.

2. Full Presence

It has given me presence. On the way to the supermarket or the office, I stop for a second, breathe, and observe. That small gesture gives meaning to my routine.

3. Improves the senses

Listening to songs, distinguishing calls... the ear, the sight, the attention to detail become sharper. You learn to see and hear in a different way.

4. Promotes concentration

It's like a form of meditation. It requires calm, time, and silence. It helps cultivate patience and mindfulness.

5. Active and natural lifestyle

It's not a sport in the traditional sense, but it involves walking, spending time outdoors, and moving around. And that's always a good thing.

6. Improves memory

Remembering songs, names, plumage... is a constant exercise in memory and attention.

7. Personal satisfaction

The first time I identified a starling without the help of the app, I almost cried with emotion. That feeling of accomplishment is priceless.

8. Community and new friendships

Although I felt clumsy at first, I met kind and passionate people. I'm looking forward to finding a group of beginners to share this passion with.

Illustrated book "Between Sea and Land" by Juan Varela Simó, a gem for bird lovers and nature observers.

Resources for getting started in birdwatching

In case you're feeling inspired or want to give a special gift to someone who's just starting out, we've brought in some beautiful bird identification books to the store. Many of them have illustrations of birds that are so beautiful they'll make you cry.

Birds of Spain , by Juan Valera. The guide that never fails us on our getaways, includes 599 birds from all over Spain, with color drawings, maps and QR codes with songs and videos.
Birdwatching , by Antonio Sandoval Rey. More than 40 routes chosen for their richness in birds and their ease of enjoyment without complications.
Between Sea and Land , by Juan Valera Simó. A field notebook of a biologist and painter in love with the marshes of southern Spain.
National Parks of Spain - Soundscapes , by Carlos de Hita. Sixteen national parks shape a Spain that still roars and sings in freedom.
When and where to see birds in Madrid , by Javier Gómez and Unai Fuente. You may not know that Madrid is a paradise for birdwatching, even very close to the city.

Selection of books about birdwatching in Spain, ideal for beginners and nature lovers.

And if you want to try an app, I recommend two that are free: the SEO/BirdLife app and the Merlin app. I don't go out without the latter anymore.

Now is a good time to start.

Enjoy it, because with autumn comes the time of migrations and the sky is more alive than ever.

_________________________

Rocío Muñoz is the founder of Real Fábrica Española. A tireless traveler, lover of craftsmanship, traditional crafts, and small stories. Real Fábrica is a project born to champion what's ours: what's well-made, what has history and soul. We travel throughout Spain in search of traditional products, those that smell of childhood, of the village, of long after-dinner conversations. You can discover our pieces in the online store , read the stories we tell in the blog , and join our community by subscribing to the newsletter .

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