Over the past year, I’ve gotten really into birdwatching, which is something I never expected to enjoy as much as I do. I think it’s so cool how many different kinds of birds you can find just walking around Chicago parks. I saw a red-winged blackbirds with a beautiful patch of color calling out on one of my walks recently.

One of my favorite things about birdwatching is how much more aware it’s made me of my surroundings. I’ll hear a bird call and immediately want to figure out where it’s coming from, or I’ll stop to watch a bird doing an unfamiliar behavior. It’s funny how much you start noticing once you actually pay attention.

I’ve also found that spending time outside is a really nice way to clear my head. Between school and everything else going on, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but being in nature helps me slow down and enjoy the moment. I think that’s what I appreciate most about birdwatching..