The forests and gardens transition into a pristine, white canvas in winter- an ideal backdrop for spotting many types of birds that spend the winter season on the property.  

What to Look For, A Beginner’s Guide

More Tips & Tricks

Walk around 

Visit different areas of the arboretum to see different types of birds. Try to get to the natural areas and gardens because it will maximize the number of species you see. Birds like to have different habitats—so don’t spend the whole time in the forest.  

Blaze a trail 

Rent snowshoes at Holden Arboretum and hike the trails. The frozen landscape is a pristine backdrop where you’ll easily spot birds that can be difficult to view otherwise.

Benefits of Birding

Physical fitness

While the act of birding itself involves little more than the energy required to open your eyes and lift your binoculars, getting to and from your birding spot usually requires a hike that is bound to work up a sweat.

Reduces stress

Being immersed in natural stimuli, including birds and birdsong, trees, and nature scenes, triggers the human parasympathetic nervous system and induces a state of hyperawareness and hyperactivity. This state is relaxation. 

Mindfulness and meditation

Noticing and focusing on what is happening in the moment is a hallmark of birding, which requires constant and quiet, steady focus. Add birdsong to the equation, and birdwatching becomes an almost immersive sensory experience that gently draws one’s attention away from the inner monologue and away from the self. 

Increases mental fitness

Birdwatching pulls you away from the screen and out into the fresh air, real life, and nature. Exercising the mental faculties involved in observation and identification helps to keep the mind sharp. And the visual stimulus of the natural world is just enough novelty to keep the mind engaged.  

Family fun

Birding is a great way to get kids out of the house and spend some quality time as a family. It helps instill an appreciation for nature and the environment in children and helps teach them patience and dedication. 

Next time you go visit the Holden Arboretum, take along your camera to get some photos of all the wonderful plants, trees, and birds you see! Be sure to tag us on social media using the hashtag #holdenphotoshow.  

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