Ella Kerr discovered a new world during Melbourne's long COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns in 2020 and 2021. "There were just all these birds … I was seeing parts of our environment I hadn't noticed until then," the 29-year-old said. She's part of a growing movement of young Australians turning to birdwatching, transforming what was once seen as a retiree's hobby into something vibrant and accessible.
The surge is bringing more young people to Broome Bird Observatory near Broome in Western Australia's Kimberley. Broome Bird Observatory warden Jamie Van Jones called the increased interest from young people "fantastic." She said, "I'm getting lots of passionate young people through the observatory, lots of young people on tour with a list of birds they want to see." The stereotype has shifted. "If you talk stereotypes around birdwatchers, it's khaki clothes, binoculars and cameras, a bum bag — a dorky look. That's changed," Ms Van Jones said.
A Response to Disconnection
Ms Van Jones, who's been a wildlife guide around the world for a decade and spent the past two years at the Broome Bird Observatory, sees deeper patterns. "People are craving to be outside. It's about being connected to the outdoor world, and when you're birding, you're in the moment," she said. The charitable organisation where she works is dedicated to research and education on shorebirds, such as godwits and knots, which migrate between Roebuck Bay and the Northern Hemisphere.
The increase in young Aussies birdwatching is attributed to pandemic lockdowns forcing people to slow down and take up "nana technology" hobbies like knitting, crochet or baking bread. Ella Kerr now scrolls through her phone looking at lists of birds she's seen or checking their identity on an app. She planned her holiday to Darwin and Broome around birdwatching and was keen to tick some birds unique to northern Australia off her list. "I like that it gets me out into nature, just listening to the sounds," she said. "And when you see a new bird, it's even more exciting."
Building Community Through Nature
That sentiment is shared by 21-year-old Will Vasic, who travelled from Melbourne to work at the Broome Bird Observatory. "I never really thought I'd get into it at such a young age," he said. "But it's got me places where I never thought I'd go."
Callum Wells formed the Talbot Bay Birdwatching Club (TBBC) in the remote Kimberley about one year ago with friends. "We're trying to break down that stigma from it being a bit nerdy to getting out there looking for birds is something that everyone should appreciate," he said. TBBC has become a social media sensation because of its larrikin humour. Followers share their own birding finds with Mr Wells, including British actor Sean Bean, who hosts the Get Birding podcast. "When Boromir from Lord of the Rings [Sean Bean] is commenting on your stuff, you're pretty excited!" Mr Wells said.
Birdwatching has been dubbed a "new form of meditation" in Hollywood, as celebrities embrace the pastime and podcast about it. Young birdwatchers are enthusiastically posting their sights on social media. Mr Wells said while birdwatching had taken him to "amazing places," it allowed him to spend time with mates and have a laugh. "It's good, clean fun," he said.
Environmental Awareness Through Connection
Ms Van Jones sees birdwatching as more than recreation. She hoped it encouraged people to be more environmentally aware. "There are so many threats to the natural world and, through connection, they start to care and be the future champions for the environment," she said. Ms Van Jones said birdwatchers were enthusiasts of any age who travelled widely to find new birds and experience nature.
Why This Matters:
Young Australians are turning to nature-based activities that foster environmental awareness at a time when climate change and habitat loss threaten biodiversity. The growth of birdwatching among younger generations represents more than a hobby trend—it's creating a new cohort of people connected to ecosystems and wildlife conservation. Organizations like the Broome Bird Observatory, which focuses on migratory shorebirds, benefit from this engagement through increased support for research and education. The movement also challenges the isolation and screen-dependence that characterized pandemic life, offering an accessible form of outdoor recreation that doesn't require expensive equipment or travel. As Ms Van Jones noted, this connection to the natural world can transform observers into environmental advocates, building public support for conservation policies and habitat protection that will be essential in coming decades.