How an Indoor Person Became a Passionate Birdwatcher
What happens when a Netflix-loving city dweller with a soft spot for boating suddenly discovers a love for nature? At Kowa Sporting Optics, we had the pleasure of speaking with Marie: 33 years old, full of life, and an avid birdwatcher since spring 2020. Her story shows that a connection to nature can sometimes appear in the most unexpected ways – and that one’s own garden can become a gateway to a fascinating miniature world.
A Chance Encounter: The Lockdown and a Glance Out the Window
Marie remembers it clearly: “It was March 16, 2020 - the first day of lockdown.” Newly hired and suddenly sent to work from home, she found herself sitting alone at home, with a view of the garden. And that’s where it all began: the birds outside continued their lives, completely unfazed by the global uncertainty. “It was incredibly comforting to me - they chirped, bathed, ate, as if nothing was happening.” What started as a distraction quickly turned into a true passion.
From Netflix Nights to a Birdwatching App
As the sun started shining more often, Marie took her laptop and moved her home office into the garden. Her uncle gave her a pair of binoculars, and from that moment on, everything changed. Using the NABU app, she began identifying different bird species. “I was so excited that I took part in the ‘Garden Birdwatch Day’ - and counted 21 different species!” She learned what birds eat, how they defend their territory, and how to tell males from females. Soon, books and magazines followed; Marie taught herself everything.
A Robin with Character
Her favorite bird? “Without a doubt: the robin. It’s tiny, curious, and full of personality. Whenever we change something in the garden, it’s the first to come and inspect it.” Marie loves observing the subtle behaviors of birds. Whether it’s tits feeding their young or crows teaming up against a buzzard - a garden is a microcosm full of stories.
A True Passion
Although Marie hasn’t met any other young bird enthusiasts yet, she fully embraces her hobby. “I talk openly about it. It’s my passion. And I never would have imagined that I’d enjoy something like this - just sitting quietly and observing.”
She’s even adapted her home to suit her newfound interest: creating a dedicated garden-view spot, filming time-lapse videos with her smartphone, and planting a tree specifically for the birds.
Marie’s vision is simple: “I want the birds in our garden to feel comfortable, to build their nests, and raise plenty of young.” To support that, she carefully selects bird-friendly plants and feeds her feathered visitors with high-quality food from NABU.
Fascinating to Observe
Marie is deeply impressed by the intelligence of birds. Crows soaking dry bread in water, or birds precisely pecking holes into peanuts - she says: “I find it incredible how smart they are. They know exactly when to breed, where to migrate, and how to find a mate.”
Anyone Can Be a Birdwatcher
Marie’s story shows that you don’t have to be a professional to fall in love with the world of birds. All it takes is a garden, a bit of curiosity, a glance outside - and the right pair of binoculars. Marie uses the GENESIS 10x33 and is thrilled with the crystal-clear, sharp view it provides.
And perhaps you, too, will discover a whole new world in your garden, with the right binoculars or spotting scope from Kowa.
Marie's favourite optic:
