Birdwatching used to be seen as a hobby for older people in waterproof clothes. But now, many young people in Britain are enjoying it. Ben Smith, 23, is one of them. He loves starting his day early with a flask of tea and his binoculars (双筒望远镜), walking along his favorite local trails. "I don't need to see anything special," he says. "I write down everything I see, and maybe I get a photo of a good bird."
According to research by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), almost 750,000 young people aged 16 to 29 in Britain now birdwatch regularly. That's a huge increase of 1,088% since 2018. Birdwatching is now the second-fastest-growing hobby among young people, after jewellery making. Across the UK, more than four million people birdwatch, up 47% in six years.
Smith spends much of his time around Loch Lomond in Scotland. His love of birds started in childhood, when his father, a van driver, took him on night trips. "We'd look for raptors (猛禽) like red kites and eagles while we drove," he recalls. Later, he studied zoology and ecology at the University of Glasgow.
Why are young people so interested? Smith thinks growing up with climate worries has made them respect nature more. Social media helps too—bird photos and videos make the hobby look cool. Apps like Merlin help beginners identify birds easily. But for Smith, the best part is the people. "I've made loads of friends through birdwatching," he says. "There's always someone ready to help." His advice for newbies? "You don't need the best equipment. Just get out there—start with RSPB reserves, which are free for young people."