From Niche to Nature Movement: How Birdwatching Is Changing
Birdwatching has long been associated with a certain stereotype: a hobby reserved for retired men armed with notebooks, telescopes, and decades of field experience. But spend any time at a birding festival, nature reserve, or even on social media today, and you'll quickly realise that image no longer tells the whole story. We asked six Kowa ambassadors from different countries and backgrounds to share their personal experiences. From their first encounters with birds to their thoughts on the future of the hobby, their stories reveal how birdwatching is evolving, and why there has never been a better time to get involved.
David Lindo
I've been fascinated by nature for as long as I can remember. There was never a defining "spark" moment for me, I simply grew up captivated by birds. At first, I never felt different because of that passion, but as I got older, I realised not everyone understood it. At school I was teased for being interested in birds and was often seen as the odd one out.
Thankfully, birdwatching has changed enormously since then. Through my work as The Urban Birder, I've watched the community grow and become much more diverse. More young people, more women, and people from all walks of life are discovering birds and joining my walks, courses and tours. I've seen birding go through several waves of popularity over the years, from when I first started promoting urban birding over twenty years ago, to the surge during the pandemic, and now we're seeing another exciting period of growth.
I think technology has played a big role. Apps like Merlin have made it incredibly easy for people to identify birds and their calls instantly, while digital recording tools and even AI-powered optics help beginners gain confidence much faster than before. That's fantastic, although I still believe nothing replaces spending time outdoors and learning through your own observations.
If someone tells me birdwatching isn't for them, I simply encourage them to take a walk through their local park with an open mind. Listen, look around, and allow yourself to connect with nature. Even if you don't immediately notice the birds, you might just discover something even more valuable: the sense of calm that nature brings. And for many people, that's exactly where their birding journey begins!
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Tomas Trnka
I came to birding through photography. At the beginning, I was mainly fascinated by the possibility of capturing beautiful and intimate moments in nature. Later, I started filming short wildlife documentaries, and step by step I became more interested not only in the image itself, but also in the behaviour of birds, their nesting sites, their protection and the stories behind them. Friends from the Czech Society for Ornithology helped guide me deeper into ornithology and bird conservation, and I slowly realised that birding is not only about seeing rare species - it is also about patience, respect and understanding the fragile world they live in.
At the beginning, I did not really feel like a "classic" birder. I came with a camera first, and even today many ornithologists still see me more as a photographer. In that community, trust is something you have to earn over time. But I actually like that. It pushes me to learn more, to spend more time in the field and to approach birds with greater responsibility. Kowa optics have helped me enormously in this journey.
Since I started using the Kowa Genesis Prominar XD33 10x33 binocular, I feel as if I hardly ever take them off my neck - I almost sleep with them. A high-quality binocular has opened a completely new layer of nature for me. I started noticing forest cavities, distant movements, small details and bird species I would simply have missed with my eyes alone. Just this weekend, my binoculars helped me find my first Barred warbler, which was an amazing moment.
The Kowa TSN-99A spotting scope is equally important for my work. Together with my friend Josef Veselý, I spend for example a lot of time searching for and monitoring Eagle Owls, and also checking nests of White-tailed Eagles and Black Storks. In these situations, long-distance observation is not just convenient, it is essential. Being able to check a White-tailed Eagle nest from more than one or two kilometres away, or observe young Black Storks deep in the forest without disturbing them, is exactly where quality optics truly matter.
I think more people are getting into birding today because many of us spend more time outdoors, especially after the Covid years. People walk, cycle, go out with dogs or children, and many start noticing nature again. Technology is also more accessible, and social media helps people discover birds in a very direct way. My own videos and articles often reach an older audience, but in the field I meet many young people who are genuinely passionate about birds, observation and learning new species.
That is wonderful, but it also brings more pressure on nature. Birding reminds us that nature is for everyone, but it is not something we can take for granted. For me, it brings peace, freedom and a much-needed reminder that the world does not belong only to us.
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Diána Tislér
My connection to nature began long before I became a birder. I grew up in the Bakony Hills of Hungary and spent my summers at Lake Balaton with my grandparents. Nature was simply part of everyday life. My father was a gamekeeper, so my siblings and I often accompanied him into the forest. The books of Zsigmond Széchenyi and István Fekete, Konrad Lorenz, Gerald Durell, as well as the documentaries of David Attenborough, Jane Goodall and Jacques Cousteau, all helped shape the way I see the natural world today.
I have always been interested not only in nature, but also in history and culture. The Fertő region and the Bakony are landscapes where people and nature have lived in relative harmony for centuries. I enjoy exploring how landscapes change over time and how human activity has shaped them. For me, birds became the gateway to understanding entire ecosystems. They are often the first thing people notice in nature, yet they also reveal a great deal about the health and stability of the environment around us.
When I started birding, the community felt relatively small. As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, fitting in was not always easy. At the same time, I was fortunate to meet supportive people, and over the years I have found my own path through conservation work, environmental education and nature guiding.
One of the biggest changes I have noticed is the growing number of young people, families and women becoming interested in birds and nature. I believe this reflects a desire to slow down and reconnect in an increasingly fast-paced and digital world.
Today, social media, bird identification apps and high-quality optics make birdwatching more accessible than ever before. Technology is a wonderful tool when it helps people experience nature more deeply.
To anyone who thinks birdwatching is not for them, I would simply say: give it a chance. In Hungarian, we have a beautiful word, szemlélődés. It describes a mindful and attentive way of observing the world around us. Birdwatching is not only about discovering birds; it is also about learning to pay attention and finding your own place within nature.
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Adriaan Sleeuwenhoek
I started birdwatching in 1988 as a young boy. I still remember one of my first special encounters: seeing a Bullfinch on a narrow path after a difficult day at school. That moment sparked a fascination that has never left me.
In the beginning, birdwatching felt like a rather niche hobby. Most birders I met were older men, often carrying heavy telescopes and notebooks. As a young birder, I sometimes felt different from my peers, but I always felt welcome within the birding community itself. Birds became a way to explore nature, find peace, and learn to pay attention.
Over the last decade, I have seen a remarkable change. More young people, more women, and more diverse audiences are discovering birds. Social media, bird identification apps, online communities, and digital photography have made birdwatching much more accessible than it used to be. Today, someone can identify a bird within seconds using a smartphone, something that was impossible when I started.
I also believe that many people are searching for something that birds naturally offer: a reason to slow down. In a world full of notifications, deadlines, and constant stimulation, watching birds helps people reconnect with the present moment. During the COVID period, many people rediscovered nature close to home, and for some, that interest has remained.
What I love most is that birdwatching can be as simple or as specialised as you want it to be. You do not need expensive equipment, extensive knowledge, or years of experience to enjoy it. Although the Kowa optics make the experience even better.
To anyone who thinks birdwatching is not for them, I would say: just start paying attention to the birds around you. You may be surprised by how much beauty, wonder, and inspiration is already waiting right outside your door.
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Ben Armstrong
Birdwatching has changed dramatically during the ten years I have been involved in this incredible hobby. What was once considered a niche interest has become increasingly mainstream, particularly through the influence of social media. In addition to this, technology has made birdwatching more accessible than ever before. Apps such as Merlin Bird ID and Bird Guides have helped people of all experience levels learn about birds, identify species, and engage with the wider birding community.
My own birding journey began in a woodland stream in North Wales, where my favourite bird, the dipper, still thrives today. I remember being fascinated as I watched a dipper dive beneath the water, only to reappear several rocks downstream moments later. Seeing this behaviour sparked a curiosity that quickly grew into a passion for wildlife.
In the early days, birdwatching was a hobby I largely kept to myself. I spent countless hours studying books and searching for species I had never seen before. As social media grew, I was fortunate to connect with young like-minded people who shared my enthusiasm for wildlife. Through these friendships, I developed an interest in photography, which further strengthened my passion for birdwatching.
One of the most encouraging changes I have noticed recently is the growing number of young people becoming involved in birdwatching. In a fast-paced digital world, birding offers the opportunity to slow down, reconnect with nature, and appreciate the wildlife around us. Social media has played a significant role in this growth by allowing people to share their experiences, photographs, and findings.
For anyone who feels that birdwatching is not for them, my advice is simple: give it a go. Whether you live in an urban or rural area, birds are all around you. Spend one hour outdoors listening to birdsong and observing nature, and you may discover a lifelong passion.
Thank you very much for reading !
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Simon Brumby
For many of my friends it's a familiar story I guess, being outside and enjoying nature was just something you did whenever you could. I do, however, remember being out with the family and especially being encouraged by my father to look and identify birds. He was and happily still is a mad keen birder and we still enjoy going out together looking for odds and ends. I guess it was some 18 years ago when I left the UK and moved to NL that I more actively became aware of birding or even perhaps even coined the term birder for in reference to myself. Going out into my surroundings and experiencing my surroundings with a similar naivety that I did as a kid, everything was new... well kind of it definitely strongly evoked nostalgia for me. Grabbing my bin's and jumping on my bike and just taking the long way home to go check the forest out felt so natural and at the time was the only thing I had to do. You become deeply attached to your surroundings and develop a feeling of belonging that is important to us all, I will come back to this shortly! The community here is amazing, an astonishing pool of very knowledgeable men and women of all ages, it certainly keeps you humble.
COVID was a game changer for many people who weren't already working in ecology or similar environment related jobs, it forced folks back outside. I feel like at first folks were just going out to simply escape the confinements of the home. And this is where I circle back a bit. It became quite quickly evident that a large portion of the populace realised that they too were missing something, a connection with your surroundings, the childlike or nostalgic adventure of exploring your surroundings. I spoke with many folks who were literally effervescent at finding their first Kingfisher or Great Crested Grebe and feeling like it's the first time anyone ever saw one. Many more couples walking around with bino's, younger folks with scopes frantically searching for a patch tick, happily this phenomenon struck more and more people birding and enjoying their surroundings making lasting connections with it and each other.
Skip ahead too today, we have a well connected well informed community looking out for each other and the nature around them. These days looking for things is made much easer with the application of things like Night vision and IR Monoculars that has revolutionised certain elements of Ecological research and trickled down heavily to the consumer level.
Birding is literally for everyone! You just need to find your own tempo, relax and enjoy. If you're a person who enjoys going outside even for short walks with the dog you can look and listen for birds, going for a run, you can listen and look at birds. For me at least, it's more than just birds and I can't recommend getting involved highly enough.
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Justin Carr
My love of birding began when I was 12, watching birds visit the feeders in the school garden. I remember being fascinated and wanting to know their names. One of my teachers encouraged that curiosity by bringing in a bird book so we could identify what was coming in. He also brought in a magazine with a quiz to identify a particular bird. I entered, got it right, and won a copy of the magazine, which felt like a huge moment at the time. Soon after, my grandparents took me on my first proper birding trip to Potteric Carr, a nature reserve near Doncaster in South Yorkshire. I still remember seeing my first owl drifting silently over the grassland. It felt magical, and it completely captured me.
Becoming an ambassador for Kowa Optics has really helped with that. I had already been an ambassador for another optics company, so I understood what it meant to represent a brand, but moving to Kowa felt like a natural and positive step because I genuinely felt the optics were superior. Having confidence in the equipment I use and recommend made the move feel authentic, and Kowa's support has strengthened my confidence as a birder and as someone with something valuable to contribute.
One of the most encouraging changes I have noticed is that birding feels more open than it did a few years ago. More young people, women and new audiences seem to be finding their way into it, and the old stereotype of who a "birder" is feels as though it is shifting. Social media has helped by making sightings, photos, tips and shared experiences more visible and accessible. Lockdown also encouraged many people to notice nature closer to home, and for some, that simple act of noticing became the start of something much bigger.
I think it is easier than ever to start birding now. You do not need to know everything, travel far or have expensive kit straight away. A garden, park, reservoir or daily walk can be enough. Apps, online groups and social media can all help beginners feel part of a wider community. To anyone who thinks birding “isn’t for them”, I would say: try it in your own way. Birding can be as simple as pausing to watch what is around you.
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Our ambassadors' favorite gear:
Kowa TSN-99A PROMINAR 30-70x Zoom Kit Kowa TSN-99A PROMINAR angled spotting scope body TE-11WZ II 30-70x wide zoom eyepiece BRIGHT, WIDE, CRYSTAL CLEARFor those who arrive early and leave late. LARGE 99mm OBJECTIVE LENSA large 99mm pure fluorite crystal objective lens paired with a Kowa XD concave lens produces superior lowlight performance and exquisite detail. This special combination combined with improved optical coatings virtually eliminates chromatic aberration even at high magnification. DUAL FOCUS - PIN POINT CONTROLThe dual focus mechanism is the gateway to controlling the image between your eye and the scope. exquisite engineering is refined to make operation flawless. Quick focus allows for fast action to bring your subject in to detail in just a few smooth revolutions, whilst Fine focus gives pin-point, finger-tip control offering the ultimate in focussing accuracy. TOUGH, LIGHTWEIGHT & PORTABLEUtilizing a100% magnesium alloy structure, the TSN-99 PROMINAR series spotting scope is one of the most compact and lightweight in its class of large objective spotting scopes making it more portable than many other models. A fully waterproof and nitrogen sealed shell plus Kowa KR coating on the optics makes the scope reassuringly rugged. DESIGNED TO DIGISCOPEThe TSN-99 PROMINAR is 100% compatible with our KOWA SYSTEM accessory range giving you access to Interchangeable eyepieces,accessories and digiscoping adapters for DSLR cameras and smartphones - creating a truly flexible optical tool for many applications.
Kowa TSN-88A PROMINAR 25-60x Zoom Kit Kowa TSN-88A PROMINAR angled spotting scope body TE-11WZ II 25-60x wide zoom eyepiece COLOUR, THE WAY NATURE INTENDED.When crafting the new TSN-88 PROMINAR series, Kowa went back to its routes in optical design. Routes which have made it one of the most popular spotting scope manufacturers in the world.To enhance a basic fundamental feature that PROMINAR users enjoy every time they look through their eyepiece - Natural Colour.Kowa has always prided itself on manufacturing optics that deliver a pure rendition of the view in front of the lens. Allowing you, the observer to explore and enjoy every detail of the subject.An image free of negative optical distractions allowing you to immerse yourself into the scene in front of you. PURE FLUORITE CRYSTAL OBJECTIVEThe new TSN-88 PROMINAR features an 88mm pure fluorite crystal objective lens - the true optical powerhouse at the heart of all PROMINAR flagship optics. This unique lens redefines the standards of colour brilliance and eliminates chromatic aberration for one of the most detailed views of the natural world. HIGHER TRANSMISSIONKowa engineers have improved the unique optical coatings applied not only to the lenses but also the prism in the new TSN-88 PROMINAR spotting scope series. The result is a spotting scope that delivers even higher levels of light wavelength transmission than its predecessor and most important of all, across the entire colour spectrum for the most natural colour of nature. TOUGH, LIGHTWEIGHT & PORTABLEThe TSN-88 PROMINAR now benefits from a 100% magnesium alloy structure, making it not only tougher but also lighter than its predecessor. A fully waterproof and nitrogen sealed shell plus an upgrade of Kowa KR coating applied to the objective lens which repels dirt, moisture and dust from building on the surface, makes the scope reassuringly rugged. DUAL FOCUS PIN POINT CONTROLThe dual focus mechanism is the gateway to controlling the image between your eye and the scope. Exquisite engineering is refined to make operation flawless. Quick focus allows for fast action to bring your subject in to detail in just a few smooth revolutions, whilst Fine focus gives pin-point, finger-tip control offering the ultimate in focussing accuracy. LOOKS AREN’T EVERYTHING, BUT…The TSN-88 PROMINAR adopts the new ergonomic curves and form created for the recent TSN-99 PROMINAR scope series. Th ere is no mistaking this spotting scope is PROMINAR. Classic green with new and improved elegant styling and a comfortable shape designed to give the user the best experience and operation out in the field. STILL THE KING OF DIGISCOPINGThe TSN-88 PROMINAR retains its crown in the world of digiscoping, offering the photo enthusiast ultra long range telephoto photography options not possible in conventional photography. The improved coatings further enhance digiscoping performance even at the highest levels of magnification producing images that were once only achievable with high end DSLR systems. Kowa has an enviable line-up of dedicated and universal smartphone adapters to allow simple connection of most smartphone models to the TSN-88 PROMINAR, take highly magnified and detailed images and videos with your smartphone of the natural world. DUAL TRIPOD MOUNTA new dual tripod mounting system prevents the scope from slipping or rotating on the tripod shoe ensuring extra stability for long periods of use. A game changer for ultimate convenience and handling out in the field. AIMING SITEThe spotting scope includes a new detachable aiming site that can be fixed on to the accessory collar to assist in locating your subject more rapidly. The lens hood also features a newly designed built in aiming site as a further visual aid.
TSN-66 PROMINAR66mm PURE FLUORITE CRYSTAL SPOTTING SCOPEThe TSN-66 PROMINAR is the newest member of Kowa’s PROMINAR family of spotting scopes, boasting exceptional pure fluorite crystal optics that have earned Kowa global acclaim.With a compact and lightweight body and 66mm objective lens, the TSN-66 PROMINAR is the ideal tool for those who want to travel light, without compromising on image quality when they arrive at their favourite location.Expanding the PROMINAR pure fluorite crystal family.Proudly made in Japan, this spotting scope joins a line-up of world-renowned precision optics featuring unique optical coatings and pure fluorite crystal technology. The PROMINAR range has set the standard for optical quality and performance, delivering outstanding image clarity and resolution. The TSN-66 PROMINAR upholds this tradition, and now offers nature enthusiasts the opportunity to experience the precision and clarity of a PROMINAR spotting scope in a more compact and lightweight form.Experience the truth and beauty of natural colour.Kowa has always been dedicated to delivering optical products that offer a true-to-life representation of the natural world. For nature enthusiasts and bird watchers, Kowa optics provide an unrivalled viewing experience. With Kowa’s commitment to the highest quality standards and utilising pure fluorite crystal lenses, the products deliver a pure rendition of the view in front of the lens, allowing users to explore and enjoy every detail of the subject.Lightweight yet tough: Portable perfection.Strong, light and built to last. The 100% magnesium alloy body not only provides robustness but also ensures a lightweight design. With a fully sealed outer body, this spotting scope is 100% waterproof and nitrogen-filled, making it impervious to the elements. Experience the perfect balance of strength and weight with the TSN-66 PROMINAR, built to last a lifetime. The scope is offered in both Angled (A) and Straight (S) configurations.Precision Dual FocusWith meticulous attention to detail, this scope delivers exceptional performance and intuitive operation. Our flagship spotting scopes are defined by their dual focus system, and the TSN-66 PROMINAR is no exception. This highly engineered feature provides ultimate control, ensuring flawless and precise operation. With quick focus, you can bring your subject into detail in just a few smooth revolutions. Meanwhile, fine focus provides pin-point fingertip control, delivering the ultimate in focusing accuracy. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice, the TSN-66 PROMINAR’s dual focus system offers flawless operation out in the field.Kowa System compatibleCross compatibility is a fundamental feature of all our PROMINAR spotting scopes, including the TSN-66 PROMINAR. With the 100% compatible accessory collar and bayonet mount, you have access to a wide range of interchangeable eyepieces and accessories, making this scope a truly flexible and compact optical tool that can be used for many applications.The most compact and effective digiscoping option out there!The TSN-66 PROMINAR series scopes are highly effective digiscoping tools due to their pure fluorite crystal lens, which provides unparalleled image clarity and brightness. Combine this outstanding optical performance with their lightweight and compact bodies and experience the ultimate travel companion for wildlife photographers on the go.NOW, THERE REALLY IS A BEST OF BOTH WORLDS. Why compromise?Travel light and experience nature’s true detail with the Kowa TSN-66 PROMINAR.
TSN-55A 17-40x wide zoom angled spotting scopeDiscover a truly distinctive compact spotting scope with a 55mm fluorite crystal objective lens, designed to make your adventures genuinely unforgettable and immersive. At the core of the TSN-55A PROMINAR series spotting scope is a fluorite crystal objective lens. This mineral boasts extremely low dispersion, a feature that surpasses conventional optical glass. This unique quality allows Kowa to eliminate colour blur, significantly enhancing resolution and contrast. The inclusion of fluorite crystal is a hallmark of Kowa spotting scopes, reflecting decades of Kowa's optical innovation. With a length of just 255mm and a weight of only 965g, the TSN-55A PROMINAR is exceptionally compact, making it the ideal travel companion. The versatile 17-40x wide zoom eyepiece with ED lenses is perfectly matched to enhance the optical performance of the pure fluorite crystal objective lens. The TSN-55A PROMINAR embodies a philosophy, a lifestyle. An optic that enriches every experience. It's one of a kind. This compact spotting scope opens up new possibilities. No matter where your journey leads, the Kowa TSN-55A is the perfect travel partner. Its lightweight yet robust, fully waterproof, and nitrogen-filled chassis guarantees performance in the harshest conditions.
Offical wide angle binocular with advanced Kowa XD optical performance in a rugged compact body. 8x32 XD wide angle binocular. One of the stand-out optical features of the new BDII-XD series is their enviable large fi eld of view, boasting class leading wide angle performance. Locate your subject rapidly with a wider view of your surroundings and sharpness right in to the corners of the image. With additional features including Kowa XD (high grade ED) lenses and close focus down to just 1.8m for the 42mm models and 1.3m for the 32mm models, the BDII-XD range sets a new standard of binocular in its price point. Affordable without compromise.
Flagship Kowa binocular featuring Kowa legendary XD optics. GENESIS PROMINAR models with 44 or 33mm objective lenses are featuring 4 Kowa high grade XD objective lenses (2x sets). The models with 22mm are equipped with 2 Kowa high grade XD lenses. This high resolution ED glass contains large amounts of fluorite crystal - the best material available today for avoiding chromatic aberration & intensifying contrast resulting in a simply stunning view of the natural world. Kowa lens coating technology developed over decades, further enhance the light transmission properties of all lenses and Kowa’s unique KR coating repels dirt and fluid. Experience pin sharp images with natural colour, high contrast and breath-taking detail virtually free from any chromatic aberration (colour fringing). Ergonomic styling combined with tactile materials makes handling the GENESIS PROMINAR a dream. Hold a GENESIS PROMINAR and you will instantly appreciate the high quality engineering. Built to last a lifetime - each component in the GENESIS PROMINAR range is meticulously designed to provide the ultimate viewing experience. GENESIS PROMINAR are fully waterproof and dry nitrogen filled to prevent fogging. A tough rubber armour make the GENESIS PROMINAR an extremely durable and reliable binocular even in the toughest of environments. Performance guaranteed.