Gen Z's Surprising Passion for Birdwatching in the UK

Washington DC, United States Jul 28, 2026 ALN: Few people anywhere love birds more than Lira Valencia. Merely glimpsing the azure-blue flash of a Kingfisher flitting around her beloved corner of South London is enough to risk making her late for any engagement that day.

And yet, it’s a passion nested upon a barefaced lie.

Exasperated, like so many students, by the miserly state of the job market after graduating university during the pandemic, Valencia spotted a rare opening to put her zoology degree to good use in the field: a position with a bird charity in sunny Malta.

The problem? Eyeing London’s prodigious pigeon population marked the broad extent of her birdwatching pedigree. One pair of secondhand binoculars, a few trips around her local parks and a fib about her true level of birding experience later, she was taking flight to the Mediterranean.

“In my early 20s, if someone told me that I would be a bird watcher, I’d laugh because it’s just not something I ever thought of growing up,” Valencia, 30, told CNN.

“Obviously it started off as a lie, but then it actually started to really rub off on me. That’s the thing with it: once you start, you can’t really stop.”

Now, having returned to London, she is a nature content creator — known to her followers as “outsidewithlira” — and symbolic of a bonafide birdwatching boom among the UK’s Gen Z. Almost 750,000 people aged between 16 and 29 now regularly enjoy birdwatching across Great Britain, according to data shared in May by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), marking a 1,088% increase since 2018.

The figures, taken from an eight-year study of more than 24,000 people, led by market research firm Fifty5Blue, found that only jewelry making was a faster growing hobby among the age group. It’s an uptake outpacing the overall 47% increase in UK birdwatching to over 4 million people, with millennials and Gen X participation rising by 216% and 66% since 2018 respectively.

The influx of young birders has not gone unnoticed by RSPB wildlife adviser Katie Nethercoat, an expert on the myriad avian species that dot the charity’s network of 200-plus nature reserves.

“I’ve definitely had my algorithm throw me some really lovely content of young people going out to nature reserves, even just noticing a nesting moorhen in London, or coots on the back of a little slow boat,” Nethercoat told CNN.

“In this age of worry about the world, it’s always a really nice positive takeaway that there is that spark of passion there.”

Puffins and Pokémon

From the ever-present house sparrow to the puffins that venture across the Atlantic to nest on Yorkshire’s Bempton Cliffs each summer, 636 bird species have been recorded in Britain, according to the most recent count by the British Ornithologists’ Union. This rich biodiversity not only captivates seasoned birdwatchers but also entices newcomers eager to explore the natural world.

“There is so much diversity, so many different types of species,” said Valencia.

“They’re different — I hate to say Pokémon characters — but really Pokémon characters. They all live different lives, and although to some people they all sound and look the same, once you start learning, it’s a different world.”

Valencia’s insight provides a clue into explaining just why so many youngsters are taking up a hobby primarily associated with an opposite demographic: older, retired people with time and money to burn. The appeal of birdwatching lies in its accessibility and the sense of adventure it can offer. For many young people, the opportunity to connect with nature and participate in a rewarding activity is particularly appealing in a world increasingly dominated by technology and urban living.

However reluctant the Pokémon comparison, it holds weight. The Japanese franchise rocketed in popularity in 2016 thanks to the roaring success of Pokémon Go, a mobile app that encouraged users to venture out into the world and “catch ‘em all.” This cultural phenomenon inspired many to engage with their surroundings in ways they hadn’t before, and it seems that the same principle has translated into the birdwatching realm.

Birdwatching apps have capitalized by leaning into the very same principle, some more explicitly than others. Launched in January, self-described “Pokémon Go for birds” app Birdex gamifies birding, with each species spotted becoming virtual collectible cards that can be leveled up by further sightings and completed quests. This gamification aspect has proven to be a compelling motivator for younger audiences who are accustomed to interactive and engaging digital experiences.

Yet the highflyer of the scene is undoubtedly Merlin, a free bird identification app developed by Cornell University’s Lab of Ornithology. Photos and even audio, akin to a “Shazam for birds,” can be used to pinpoint one of 11,000 species among the eBird database — a crowdsourced project also run by the New York-based research institute. The app’s user-friendly design and comprehensive resources make it an invaluable tool for both novice and experienced birdwatchers alike.

Other apps offer similar features, but none can rival Merlin’s popularity. It has amassed 40 million downloads since launching in 2014, while 2 billion observations spanning every country in the world have been logged on eBird, the lab’s executive director Ian Owens announced last year, citing a 40% and 70% rise in American and European Merlin usage respectively in Spring 2025. The app’s success is indicative of a broader trend where technology is increasingly being used to enhance outdoor experiences.

Intuitive for a tech-savvy generation, such apps also serve to dispel the assumption that birdwatching is a pricey pursuit, argues Nethercoat, as well as providing a way into what could otherwise be an overwhelming hobby for newcomers. The perception that birdwatching is reserved for the affluent or those with extensive knowledge is being challenged by the accessibility of these digital tools.

“Apps are such a really good, easy and accessible way for people to actually think, ‘I’m gonna go for a 10-minute walk. I’m just curious as to what I can hear,’” Nethercoat said. This shift in perception is crucial, especially as the younger generation becomes more environmentally conscious and seeks ways to engage with the natural world amid growing concerns about climate change and biodiversity loss.

In addition to the technological influences, the pandemic has played a significant role in reshaping recreational activities, especially for younger people. With lockdowns and restrictions on travel, many turned to local parks and green spaces for solace and connection with nature. This newfound appreciation for the outdoors has spurred many to explore hobbies like birdwatching, which can be done safely and often alone or in small groups.

As young birdwatchers like Valencia continue to share their experiences on social media platforms, the visibility of birdwatching as a hobby is further enhanced. The rise of platforms like Instagram and TikTok has created a space for nature enthusiasts to showcase their adventures, share tips, and foster a sense of community. This digital presence not only encourages participation but also inspires others to take up the activity, creating a ripple effect that continues to grow.

The implications of this trend extend beyond personal enjoyment. As more young people engage in birdwatching, there is potential for increased advocacy for wildlife conservation and environmental protection. The RSPB and similar organizations have recognized the importance of nurturing this interest among younger generations, as they are the future stewards of the planet. By fostering a love for birds and nature, these organizations hope to inspire a commitment to conservation efforts that will benefit biodiversity for years to come.

In conclusion, the unexpected surge of interest in birdwatching among the UK's Gen Z highlights a significant cultural shift. It reflects a desire for connection with nature, the impact of technology on outdoor activities, and the potential for advocacy in environmental conservation. As young individuals like Lira Valencia continue to explore the world of birds, they not only enrich their own lives but also contribute to a larger movement that values and protects the natural world.