Tweet Yourself Better
Birds can have a surprisingly positive impact on both mental and physical health. Research has shown that simply hearing birdsong or spending time around nature can help reduce stress, improve mood, and create a greater sense of calm and connection.
Some of the wellness benefits associated with birds and birdwatching include:
Lower stress levels — Birdsong and nature sounds may help calm the nervous system and reduce feelings of anxiety.
Improved mood — Spending time outdoors observing birds can increase feelings of happiness and mindfulness.
Mental focus and relaxation — Watching birds encourages people to slow down, be present, and take a break from constant screen time and overstimulation.
Connection to nature — Exposure to natural environments has been linked to better emotional well-being and reduced mental fatigue.
Encourages movement and outdoor activity — Birdwatching often gets people walking outside, which supports overall health and stress management.
Even small daily interactions — like sitting outside with coffee and listening to birds in the morning — can help create moments of calm in an otherwise busy day.
Studies have even found that people who regularly see or hear birds may experience lower levels of depression, anxiety, and psychological distress.
In Austin this time of year (late spring/summer), you’ll commonly see and hear:
- Northern Mockingbird — Texas’ state bird, loud and active at sunrise/sunset
- Carolina Wren — tiny bird with a surprisingly powerful song
- Blue Jay — bright blue and very vocal
- Northern Cardinal — vibrant red males, common in neighborhoods
- Mourning Dove — calming cooing sounds in the mornings
- Great-tailed Grackle — everywhere in Austin parking lots and trees
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird — still around feeders and flowering plants
- Scissor-tailed Flycatcher — elegant long tail, often seen on fences/wires
- Painted Bunting — one of the most colorful birds in Texas
- Black Vulture and Turkey Vulture soaring overhead in warmer weather
If you go near water like Lady Bird Lake or parks like Zilker Park, you may also spot:
- herons
- egrets
- ducks
- hawks
- owls near dusk
And of course, Austin’s famous Mexican free-tailed bats aren’t birds — but they definitely steal the evening show this time of year.
If you want to up your game on bird knowledge, we recommend the Merlin Bird ID app. 🙌