Forget doomscrolling; Gen Z is now scrolling through bird content on TikTok.

      Birdwatching is gaining an unexpected new following on TikTok, as Gen Z users are transforming bird identification, wildlife photography, and even the practice of bird ringing into engaging social media content, as reported by The Guardian.

      According to The Guardian, posts tagged with #birdwatching and #birdtok have increased by one-third over the last three months, while #birding posts have surged by 40% in the UK. On a global scale, posts featuring any of these three hashtags have collectively reached 1 million. A particular video showing a seagull being fed raw salmon has garnered over 52 million views.

      This trend is refreshing the image of a hobby typically associated with older individuals, making it more attractive to a younger audience. Social media allows people to explore birdwatching without needing to first join an established birding community.

      The rise of birdwatching on TikTok

      Part of the growth can be attributed to apps like Merlin, which function like Shazam for birdsong, aiding users in identifying various species during their outdoor activities. Social media subsequently helps in sharing these findings through videos that can reach thousands or even millions of viewers.

      The Guardian's report includes insights from Jack Baddams, a 33-year-old bird lover from Derbyshire, who has amassed over 300,000 followers and was taken aback by the positive reception of his bird-tagging videos. One of his videos demonstrating the art of bird ringing has reached 7.5 million views. Baddams notes that the interest isn't solely in rare species; even common birds like blackbirds, blue tits, and meadow pipits can draw large audiences, as viewers feel a recognizable connection to them.

      The report also features Tim Jones, a 35-year-old professional ornithologist who has thrived under this trend, accumulating 48,000 followers on TikTok and over 210,000 on Instagram. Other younger birding influencers are similarly cultivating sizable followings across platforms like Instagram and TikTok. The language surrounding the hobby is evolving as well, with “birding” now commonly preferred over “birdwatching” among younger fans. Additionally, the stereotype of birders as individuals who drop everything to pursue rare sightings does not reflect the majority of participants.

      A hobby once linked to older demographics is becoming more youthful

      The statistics suggest this shift is more extensive than just social media engagement. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds has recorded nearly 9 million views on its bird-related content over the past year, with about one-third of these views coming from individuals under 24.

      The British Trust for Ornithology has also noted an uptick in interest for events targeted at younger birders, including camps, walks, and talks for attendees aged 11 to 25. The organization mentions that attracting younger individuals to events was once a challenge, but interest has significantly increased. This shift is timely, as online spaces are often saturated with divisive discussions, aggressive content, and AI-generated material, making birding a refreshing alternative: an opportunity to step outside and engage with something tangible.

      Ultimately, social media could be the catalyst prompting people to look away from their screens. The irony is delightful for a hobby centered on observing the skies.