Reading Guide: Birding for Mental Health
May is Mental Health Awareness month and bird watching is a fantastic and scientifically-proven way to help improve mental health. Studies have shown that birding offers a combination of physical activity, engagement with nature, and mental stimulation that can significantly contribute to decreasing anxiety and depression. With that in mind library staff have highlighted some great books on birding for all ages as well as a Bird watching kit patrons can checkout with their Huron County Library card. Find more resources on our online catalogue.
Non-Fiction: The Joy of Birdwatching by Anita Isalska et al.
Soar through this unique guide to birdwatching, which celebrates 60 enchanting bird species and where to find them. Packed with expert insights, trip planning tips, beautiful photography, and a further 120 ideas for birding experiences that explore the simple moments of joy, mindfulness and attentiveness found in watching birds go about their day.
Memoir: The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan
In 2016, author amateur birdwatcher Amy Tan grew overwhelmed by the state of the world: hatred and misinformation became a daily presence on social media, and the country felt more divisive than ever. In search of peace, Tan turned toward the natural world just beyond her window and, specifically, the birds flocking to the feeders in her yard. But what began as an attempt to find solace turned into something far greater — an opportunity to savor quiet moments during a volatile time, connect to nature in a meaningful way, and imagine the intricate lives of the birds she admired.
Fiction: The Economy of Sparrows by Trevor Herriot
This debut novel by Trevor Herriot, one of Canada’s foremost writer-naturalists, is the richly observed story of Nell Rowan, who has inherited her family’s prairie farmstead and returned there to live after many decades away. Nell is increasingly obsessed by a 19th-century bird collector while haunted by memories of her mother’s disappearance.
YA Non-Fiction: Diary of a Young Naturalist by Dara McAnulty
A moving memoir by Irish and autistic sixteen-year-old Dara McAnulty, a globally renowned figure in the youth climate activist movement, about his love of the natural world and fighting to save it. McAnulty is the youngest ever recipient of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds medal for conservation, and he lives with his family and Rosie the rescue-greyhound at the foot of the Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland.
Juvenile Fiction: Birds on the Brain by Uma Krishnaswami
Bestselling Canadian children’s book author Uma Krishnaswami returns with another story featuring bird lover Reeni as she and a friend choose to do a school project on Bird Count India – a countrywide event that will have thousands of birdwatchers counting birds as part of a global movement. Shocked that few people know or care about the bird count, Reeni works hard to teach people why it matters. Birds on the brain is a funny, triumphant story about learning to advocate for both the human and non-human inhabitants of your community.
Juvenile Non-Fiction: The Kids’ Field Guide to Birds by Daisy Yuhas
The Kids’ Field Guide to Birds is an exciting introduction to bird spotting for kids (and their parents), helping to identify common species while keeping things fun with activities and features throughout.
Picture Book: Birds Sing Their Words by Mélina Mangal ; illustrated by Stella Lim
A fantastic picture book introduction to birding for young readers that teaches children about the ways to connect to birds in nature and what they can learn from birdsong and communication. Included at the end is a great guide for caregivers and resources for ways to learn more about birds and birdwatching.
Picture Book: Birdlore: The Iridescent Life of Florence Merriam Bailey by Jess Keating; illustrated by Devon Holzwarth
A story about Florence Merriam Bailey the ground-breaking American scientist who inspired a nation to take up bird-watching and worked tirelessly to protect our feathered friends.
Film: A Birder’s Guide to Everything
David Portnoy, a 15-year-old birding fanatic, thinks that he’s made the discovery of a lifetime. So, on the eve of his father’s remarriage, he escapes on an epic road trip with his best friends to solidify their place in birding history.
Object Library: Celestron® Bird watching kit
Part of the Healthy Kids Community Challenge series, this kit includes a pair of Celestron® binoculars and two bird watching field guides. Intended for use by those ages 14 and up.
