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Why do middle aged people become obsessed with birds?

205 replies

HauntedBungalow · 17/04/2024 12:34

I have seen it many times. Onset appears to be between 40-45 and by 50 they are deep in the grip of it.

What is going on?

OP posts:
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FortunataTagnips · 17/04/2024 14:30

It’s happened to me, too. I got to about 45 and it was as if a switch (a twitch switch?) had been flipped. DP doesn’t share my excitement, though.

VJBR · 17/04/2024 14:32

Needmorelego · 17/04/2024 12:42

It's the age where you realise you need to stop and look and appreciate the world around you 🤔

Absolutely this.

HauntedBungalow · 17/04/2024 14:34

Do any of you watch Here We Go? (TV series.) Alison Steadman's character is spot on wrt bird obsession.

OP posts:
TheSmallAssassin · 17/04/2024 14:39

I think I've also become more aware of the phases of the moon too, and when different plants flower and that kind of thing. We went on two bat walks last year and bought a detector for Christmas, so that will be the next thing 😁

OhGoodItsRainingAgain · 17/04/2024 14:40

Exasperatednow · 17/04/2024 12:44

There's a gene that switches on at 40. If you drink enough tea it becomes permanent at age 50.

🤣👆👍

LauderSyme · 17/04/2024 14:44

I love the Emo Pigeon! OP your emo pigeon army will appreciate cheese and ham as well as peanuts. Who or what do you plan to sic 'em on?!

Birds are wonderful. They are the only surviving dinosaurs. I really hope the blue tits who nested in my garden last year come back again, but my neighbour did some brutal pruning so I don't think they will.

My dad had very intelligent and friendly robins that visited him in his garden for years. He called them all BA (short for Batman's Assistant).

On our school run there is a road lined on either side with tall, thick, bushy hedges and birds swoop and swerve madly between them, above all our heads, and nestle inside them chattering loudly. I look around and it seems I am the only human who notices.

I loved it during lockdown when you could hear so much more birdsong because of less traffic. You'd make a business call and hear birds singing down the phone because the person was working from home next to an open window.

It makes me laugh to think how they sound so sweet and melodic to us but often what they are actually saying is "Oi fuck off, this is my fucking tree!" 😄

LauderSyme · 17/04/2024 14:47

TheSmallAssassin · 17/04/2024 14:39

I think I've also become more aware of the phases of the moon too, and when different plants flower and that kind of thing. We went on two bat walks last year and bought a detector for Christmas, so that will be the next thing 😁

I always look for the moon and OMG yes I adore bats. There are frequently so many flitting about at dusk but many people are sadly oblivious or needlessly stigmatise them.

Prunesqualler · 17/04/2024 14:48

HauntedBungalow · 17/04/2024 14:29

Ooh, wildflower chucking : what an awesome idea. I'm going to need another pot ...

👏👏👏👏
It would be amazing if loads of MNs did this. You can completely transform your local area!😃

Abra1t · 17/04/2024 14:50

Because by the time we have dealt with teenagers and elderly parents dying and having chronic illnesses, providing stress up stress, while still trying to work because retirement is pushed further away, we need something uncomplicated and joyful. Birds are beautiful and make no demands and can take you away from the above.

AstralSpace · 17/04/2024 14:50

Our connection to nature improves our wellbeing so it's a good thing!
Especially as we get older

HauntedBungalow · 17/04/2024 14:52

Who or what do you plan to sic 'em on?!

It's crows rather than pigeons for me. We get a lot of them round here. My first target is the asshole neighbour who leaves his truck engine running for ten minutes every morning. The little line of peanuts is getting closer and closer to where he parks.

OP posts:
WithIcePlease · 17/04/2024 14:53

DH and I went on birding trips before DC in the UK, France and Spain.
It's come back now we have more time, taking binoculars on our walks and on our last holiday we went out before breakfast to look for birds 😊.

Ohmych · 17/04/2024 14:54

I feel attacked by this, I am a crazy bird lady too. It started in my 40s. There's no hope for me now.

Diamond007D · 17/04/2024 14:55

notofsoundmind · 17/04/2024 12:45

I have become obsessed with a Robin who keeps visiting my garden and looking at me😂

😊😂

ageratum1 · 17/04/2024 15:00

Maybe it's the age they can afford to buy a rural idyll?

mitogoshi · 17/04/2024 15:00

I love the Merlin bird app! My list is getting quite long now, and yes I'm middle aged but I got my first bird book at 5!

mitogoshi · 17/04/2024 15:02

Ive rigged my bird box with a camera this year, can't wait for the great tits to lay (they are already stopping by)

notanothernana · 17/04/2024 15:06

I've loved birds since the age of 9. What does that make me? A weirdo?

dandeliondandy · 17/04/2024 15:07

I have loved birds since childhood and love nature generally and I am not middle aged. I love stopping to smell flowers or look at squirrels or trees and stuff. I think it is lovely when anyone of any age appreciates their environment and nature and I would encourage it because it leads people to be more careful about nurturing our flora and fauna. More power to those middle aged twitchers!

Ormally · 17/04/2024 15:07

(mitogoshi - I take it that was a 'not a euphemism' post?!)

dandeliondandy · 17/04/2024 15:08

mitogoshi · 17/04/2024 15:02

Ive rigged my bird box with a camera this year, can't wait for the great tits to lay (they are already stopping by)

Better than TV!

MustBeNapTime · 17/04/2024 15:08

I've just moved into a house near some woods from a flat with no outdoor space and the very first thing I did was buy a birdfeeder. I have it placed so I can see it from my armchair. I have mess free seed, fat balls, suet squares, peanuts and peanut granules. I also have the Merlin app (@BigButtons ) which I am fascinated with and regularly get a dozen different birds picked up at the time I go out to put more food out. I also have loads of squirrels. I order my food by the sackful as I'm a bit of a generous feeder as I also have grass out the front and spread food and nuts out there too. I have 2 squirrel feeders. 😂

I also have a steep, grassy / wooded banking out the back of my house which I have just wildflower seedbombed (600 bombs 😂) as I can't get on it to plant it. Can't wait for all that lot to spring up! (@Prunesqualler )

There's no hope for me is there?

dandeliondandy · 17/04/2024 15:09

LauderSyme · 17/04/2024 14:47

I always look for the moon and OMG yes I adore bats. There are frequently so many flitting about at dusk but many people are sadly oblivious or needlessly stigmatise them.

Fellow moongazer here - I keep all my friends up to date on moon phases and names and myths on social media and they love it

dandeliondandy · 17/04/2024 15:11

MustBeNapTime · 17/04/2024 15:08

I've just moved into a house near some woods from a flat with no outdoor space and the very first thing I did was buy a birdfeeder. I have it placed so I can see it from my armchair. I have mess free seed, fat balls, suet squares, peanuts and peanut granules. I also have the Merlin app (@BigButtons ) which I am fascinated with and regularly get a dozen different birds picked up at the time I go out to put more food out. I also have loads of squirrels. I order my food by the sackful as I'm a bit of a generous feeder as I also have grass out the front and spread food and nuts out there too. I have 2 squirrel feeders. 😂

I also have a steep, grassy / wooded banking out the back of my house which I have just wildflower seedbombed (600 bombs 😂) as I can't get on it to plant it. Can't wait for all that lot to spring up! (@Prunesqualler )

There's no hope for me is there?

Next year you must sign up for the RSPB Big Garden Bird Watch where they ask you to report the birds that visit your garden - it helps them collect data and see which species are doing well and which need extra help

TabbyM · 17/04/2024 15:11

Not a recent thing, always been interested! Think it is a gadget excuse for many though

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