This is the second-fastest growing hobby for Gen Z. Why are they going wild for it?

Birdwatching is emerging as the second-fastest growing hobby among Gen Z, with many young participants drawn less by identification than by the social and mental-health benefits of spending time outdoors. Lira Valencia, a young birdwatcher and influencer, says birding helps people “feel something real” and take a break from digital life. Anna Deacon, author of The Wild Fix, describes a shift visible both online and in the field: while birding used to seem dominated by retirees with full kit, a “more rock and roll” crowd is now joining in. The new wave often birdwatches in cities, citing places like Warriston Cemetery in Edinburgh, highlighted even by Winterwatch in 2023. Deacon links the appeal to mindfulness and slowing down, echoing David Attenborough’s advice to sit quietly and wait.