Birdwatching and Cognitive function

Education Series by Randy Hebert, MD, Medical Director

Improving our health does not mean we need more medical care. Somethings, easy things can help. Birdwatching improves mental health and even brain function.  

The following is a great, free app: Merlin | Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology

It can be downloaded on your phone and will tell you the type of bird by its sound.

Andrews, Jennifer G., Rachel J. Ammirati, and Caleb JM Andrews. “Birding benefits: A review of mental health, cognitive, social, and conservation impacts.” Ecopsychology 17, no. 1 (2025): 1-17.