Birdwatching may reshape the brain and build its buffer against ageing
New Scientist
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Birdwatching may have unexpected benefits for brain health, according to a study that highlights structural changes in the brains of expert birders compared to novices. These changes suggest that engaging in activities like birdwatching could bolster cognitive reserve—the brain’s ability to adapt and resist age-related decline. The research, conducted by Erik Wing at York University, found that experts demonstrated superior bird-identification skills and showed increased activity in brain regions associated with object recognition, visual processing, attention, and memory during a challenging task.
The study involved 48 participants, half of whom were expert birdwatchers, while the other half were novices. Brain scans revealed that experts had more structurally complex and organized brains, particularly in areas linked to cognitive functions like object identification and visual processing. These regions showed less age-related decline compared to novices, hinting at a potential protective effect of birdwatching against cognitive aging.
The findings align with the concept of neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize itself through learning and practice. Similar changes have been observed in musicians and athletes, suggesting that activities requiring sustained attention, memory, and sensory integration may induce comparable structural changes in the brain.
For readers interested in science, this research adds to the growing evidence that engaging in specialized hobbies can positively impact brain health. While further studies are needed to confirm causality, the results suggest that birdwatching—or other similarly complex activities—could be a valuable tool for maintaining cognitive function as we age.
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Originally published on New Scientist on 2/23/2026