The air in Berlin, usually punctuated by the urban hum, now carries the subtle symphony of a burgeoning passion: birdwatching. What was once perceived as a niche hobby for the elderly has blossomed into a widespread phenomenon, particularly among younger generations. This shift has propelled individuals like Selina Veng, a Danish birder, into the spotlight as she undertakes an extraordinary challenge: a ‘Big Year’ to identify every bird species in Berlin.
The Feathered Frenzy: A New Era of Birdwatching
The rise of birdwatching isn’t merely anecdotal. Reports from The Guardian last year highlighted a staggering 1,088% increase in Gen-Z birdwatchers in the UK, a trend mirrored across Germany. This surge has led to a proliferation of influencers and TikTokers documenting their avian adventures, transforming birdwatching into a vibrant online community. News stories frequently feature bird-related topics, from the rapid growth of the Young Birders Club to the unexpected announcement of the Rebhuhn (partridge) as Germany’s 2026 Bird of the Year.
Many attribute this newfound fascination to the pandemic. As urban life slowed, people sought refuge in nature, rediscovering the rich biodiversity within their own cities. The Nightingale Project (Forschungsfall Nachtigall), launched in 2018 to map nightingale songs across Berlin, predates the pandemic but underscores the city’s unique connection to its feathered inhabitants. The proliferation of user-friendly apps like eBird, which boasts two billion bird observations and a 20% year-over-year growth, has further democratized birding, making identification accessible to all.
Berlin: A Birder’s Paradise
Berlin, often celebrated for its vibrant culture, also harbors a surprising secret: it’s an ornithological haven. Its diverse landscape, encompassing peaty moorlands, dense forests, expansive lakes, and even repurposed industrial relics like Tempelhofer Feld, provides a rich tapestry of habitats for both resident and migratory birds. This green metropolis, with its numerous protected natural environments, offers unparalleled opportunities for birding. It’s one of the few places where high concentrations of nightingales and northern goshawks can be found, a testament to its ecological richness. Even amidst the urban sprawl, areas like Tempelhofer Feld are cordoned off to protect nesting wildlife, where a cacophony of birdsong fills the air.
Selina Veng: A Birder’s ‘Big Year’ in Berlin
At the forefront of Berlin’s birdwatching movement is Selina Veng, a Danish birder who has captivated over 12,000 followers on Instagram. Her daily videos chronicle her explorations of Berlin’s natural wilderness as she embarks on her ‘Big Year’ – a quest to identify every bird species in the city. As of this writing, she has already logged an impressive 150 species. Her documentary-style videos offer a captivating glimpse into the city’s avian diversity, detailing her encounters and providing valuable tips for identification.
