January Bird Song

It feels particularly ‘heart-warming’ to hear birds calling at the beginning of the year, bringing an optimism about the advancement of spring. After the quiet ‘hunkering down’ vibe of December there’s a definite lift in energy from here on. The robin song is especially welcome, as they start to establish breeding territories in readiness for spring.

Evidence shows there is a direct link between seeing or hearing birds and experiencing a positive mood.

In a recent study from King’s College London these results were found in healthy people and those with depression, regardless of whether people were in an urban or rural environment.

Studies also show that these benefits extend to people listening to recorded birdsong indoors, so here’s a little recording for you to enjoy on the days when you can’t get outdoors.

Make a few minutes when you can put everything else down and just listen, safe in the knowledge that it is helping to boost your mood and fight those January blues. And when you’re out and about, keep your ears open to appreciate the birdsong.