When you have to be alone, and can’t socialize or go where people are, birdwatching is an ideal past-time. It gets you outside and takes your mind off stressful circumstances. Sit still in a corner of your yard. No birds? Stare at the leaves of a tree or bush. Wait for the birds to get curious about you. They are already there, watching you, but they are masters of camouflage. Maybe you can fool them out of hiding by writing in a notebook (that’s what I do). They might try to get your attention if you don’t seem interested in them. Listen. Some who don’t want you to see them will still sing to you!

Bird watching relieves stress. As you get your mind off of your troubles for a while and slip into the bird world, trying to figure out what bird you are watching and what’s going on will keep your mind working.

You don’t have to be in the country to see birds. In the parking lots of supermarkets there’s usually some bird drama going on. City birds have adapted to people and their cars and buildings. I saw a crow attack a raven, then another time a mockingbird attacked a cat, right behind the supermarket.

Is bird watching a trivial waste of time? If God does it no one can say that! “Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.” (Matthew 10:29) Then in verse 31: “Fear ye not…ye are of more value than many sparrows.”

So as you watch the birds you can remember God’s love for them and for you in these fearful times.