Berlin, May 10, 2026 – A surprising new trend is taking flight among Generation Z in Berlin: birdwatching. On a recent Sunday evening, ten young enthusiasts, aged between 12 and 26, gathered on the former Tegel Airport grounds, binoculars in hand, eagerly scanning the skies. Their dedication challenges the long-held stereotype of birdwatching as a pastime exclusively for older generations.
Young Birders Club: A New Generation of Ornithologists
“Since I joined the Young Birders Club, I go out almost every weekend,” says 12-year-old Ole, the youngest member of the Berlin group. Birding, as it’s colloquially known, offers a cooler, more contemporary take on bird observation. The NABU (Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union) supports approximately five such groups across Germany.
Ole and his peers are debunking the myth that birdwatching is solely for “old men in trekking outfits.” Social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube are now home to a growing number of young influencers who share their observations and educate others about birds. Apps facilitate networking within the community, allowing members to share unusual sightings and organize meet-ups.
Global Trend: Birdwatching Second Fastest-Growing Hobby for Gen Z
A study from the UK, reported by the British newspaper “Guardian,” indicates that birdwatching is the second fastest-growing hobby for Generation Z, after jewelry making. Nearly 750,000 individuals born between 1995 and 2010 in the UK regularly engage in bird observation.
While comparable figures for Germany are unavailable, Christopher König from the Dachverband Deutscher Avifaunisten (German Association of Avifaunists) notes a clear demographic shift. “For a long time, the hobby had the reputation of being something only old men in strange clothes did,” König states. However, he observes a significant increase in young bird enthusiasts, along with a growing proportion of women.
From Pandemic Pastime to Passionate Pursuit
Cora, 18, regularly dedicates at least one day a week to birding, equipped with her camera, binoculars, and an audio recorder for bird calls. She even carries a detailed Dutch bird identification guide on her phone. “I’ve always been interested in nature. Then I got binoculars as a gift. And then came Corona, and a lot of time to be outside,” Cora explains.
The pandemic is a recurring theme when young birders discuss how they discovered their passion. Charlotte, also 18, found her enthusiasm for nature and birds during the lockdown, seeking an escape from boredom. “I enjoy it because it’s a way to be outside,” she says, highlighting it as a welcome counterbalance to smartphone use.
The Allure of the Analog in a Digital Age
During their three-and-a-half-hour excursion, the young birders rarely glance at their phones. Their conversations are punctuated by excited exclamations and pointing fingers as new birds are spotted. Sometimes, closer inspection brings a touch of disappointment: “Ah, it’s a pigeon.” But there are also thrilling discoveries.
“Stop, a harrier!” group leader Manuel Tacke suddenly exclaims. Binoculars immediately point skyward. Theo, a participant, captures the bird with an impressive camera lens. It later turns out to be a Montagu’s Harrier, a rare breeding bird almost never seen in Berlin.
The appeal of the analog experience is a key reason for the hobby’s growing popularity among young people. Laura Muschiol, co-leader of the Young Birders Club, emphasizes the calming effect of nature in a stressful world. “In the current global situation, it’s incredibly comforting to see that certain things always return. The bird in my park is there again this year, no matter what’s happening in the news. And I think that’s a bit comforting,” says the 33-year-old. The young people also meet outside of tours and participate in nationwide monitoring programs.
Citizen Science: Contributing to Avian Research
Many utilize ornitho.de, a platform operated by the Dachverband Deutscher Avifaunisten, where amateur ornithologists can register and submit their observations, often with photos and audio recordings. The Naturalist app allows for on-the-go submissions. 500 regional coordinators review and verify the plausibility of incoming observations.
König expresses enthusiasm for the platform’s popularity. Last year alone, 6,000 new users registered on Ornitho, setting a new record. On good weather days, over 100,000 reports are submitted daily. “We have definitely seen an influx in recent years,” he notes, with the pandemic marking a significant turning point that sustained interest in birds.
This surge in citizen science is a boon for scientific research. König, a biogeographer, explains that data from amateur ornithologists, combined with official counts, helps detect changes in bird populations. He highlights the concerning decline of birds in Germany’s agricultural landscapes, citing examples like the Grey Partridge, Skylark, and Northern Lapwing.
By the end of their excursion, the young Berlin birders had spotted two Northern Lapwings. Their impressive list also included 45 different bird species, such as 7 Swifts, 150 Hooded Crows, 5 Whinchats (a highly endangered species), 6 Northern Wheatears, 2 Black Kites, and a European Serin. All their observations were promptly reported online.
Source: https://berliner-abendblatt.de/berlin-news/fernglas-statt-handy-warum-die-gen-z-jetzt-birden-geht-id333624
