The Home & Garden Hobby That's Making A Comeback

Finding a hobby as an adult can be trickier than it sounds, especially when most options demand large time commitments, and there might not be room for it in an already packed schedule. A hobby isn't something that should cause stress, but instead should be the opposite. The best hobbies offer an activity that provides relief from other commitments, allowing you to easily and effortlessly put yourself first. There's a common misconception that most of these recreational choices require talent, whether it's athletic or artistic, but in reality, the only requirement is that it's something enjoyable. In recent years, there has been an increase in interest in slower, simpler ways to fill free time, making room for more traditional activities to resurge in popularity. That said, there is one surprising hobby that seems to be making a big comeback this year — bird watching.

Bird watching has often been stigmatized as a boring or antiquated choice, but it actually provides plenty of unique benefits that people are starting to acknowledge once again. Perhaps being a birdwatcher doesn't seem as thrilling as being a skydiver or extreme sports enthusiast. However, this classic pursuit can offer value to anyone — even the biggest of adrenaline junkies. While you may not have ever truly appreciated the birds that come to your backyard every day, after jumping into this hobby, you might find yourself getting excited to incorporate the best tips and tricks for attracting birds to a new feeder.

In past decades, birdwatching has typically been seen as exclusively a nerdy or elderly hobby, but now those judgments are fading. Not only is it being seen as a relatively cool interest among a wide range of demographics, but it's even being coined as the 'hot-girl hobby of the year' by Pop Sugar. The concept of birdwatching is quite simplistic, essentially being defined as the act of observing and identifying birds in their natural habitats, whether in your backyard, a local park, or out in the wild. Depending on the level of investment you want to put into it, it can be easy-going with a simple pair of binoculars and a birdwatching app. Or, to really embrace it throughout your daily life, you could make your backyard a friendly space for birds while also decorating your fence.

Considering this hobby is an outdoor activity, it's easy to implement in your own yard. Studies have shown that the majority of Americans became more invested in hobbies during the pandemic, reminding many of us that some of the best pastimes, like bird watching, are easy to do from home. This revival didn't die down after public spaces began opening up again; it continued to see a steady rise in interest, as people realized just how many species of birds existed around their own home. That said, it creates an opportunity for our home and gardens to encourage the hobby with crafty designs and setups that attract more birds to the space.

Bird watching may lead you to take a new approach to your home and garden, creating a convenient space that welcomes different species. As for decor, there are plenty of stylish bird feeders to explore — from DIY birdhouses for a classic look to modern designs or tech-savvy feeders with a camera that records every visitor. There's also something charming about bringing a birdbath into your backyard, as it gives the space a chic water feature that birds will love. Aside from giving a space for the birds to gather, you can also style your own bird-watching nook. Consider something like a bistro table and chair set that offers shade with a good view of bird-busy areas. You can decorate the space to your preference, making it a relaxing oasis for enjoying your favorite hobby. 

To attract birds to your garden, creating the proper environment is key. A good place to start is by exploring a more diverse landscape to invite a wider range of species to visit. Opting for plants that are native to your region can help you build a bird-friendly habitat in your yard, as local wildlife typically relies on these species for feeding. Birds may hide in the face of predators or during inclement weather, so offering them some comforting cover will help keep them coming back. While birdhouses provide a safe cover, you can also create a cozy space by introducing layered trees or shrubs into your landscaping.