Birds are fascinating and beautiful creatures. Looking them the wild could be good us. That is what researchers Toronto, Canada say. The scientists found that birdwatching could protect our brains against age-related diseases. Lead researcher Dr Erik Wing said: "Skills birding could be beneficial for intelligence and thinking as people age." Dr Wing and his colleagues compared scans the brain activity 29 veteran birdwatchers and 29 newbies. The brains the veteran birders were a lot more active. Dr Wing said the veterans had a longer attention span and a better memory than those new to the hobby. He added that the veterans could also process information more quickly.
The scientists believe birdwatching benefits the brain learning a musical instrument. This is because the brain learns new skills, which add new pathways and connections. Dr Wing said birdwatching combines the ability to search and identify things a sensitivity to movement and pattern detection. Other scientists recommend the hobby. They say it is good our mental health and can reduce stress. It is also good our physical health because we are outside the fresh air and sunlight. Other benefits include connecting nature and becoming aware the environment. Birdwatchers say their hobby is good their social life because they meet many like-minded people.
