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Caitlin Andrew, a young woman based in Glasgow, reflects on her earlier years with a touch of regret about how indifferent she was to birdwatching during her teenage walks with her parents. “I would be such a grump,” she admits, recalling that although her parents were enthusiastic about the activity—pausing frequently to listen and observe wildlife—she had little interest at that time. Looking back, Caitlin expresses some remorse for not appreciating those moments more fully. However, her attitude changed three years ago when, during a challenging phase in her life, she found solace in observing birds, joining the increasing number of young people discovering birdwatching.
At 24, while living in Glasgow and studying, Caitlin struggled with mental health issues and a sense of disconnection. A family vacation to Islay, a southern island in the Inner Hebrides famed for its diverse birdlife, especially during migration seasons, sparked her interest. She recalls the joy of spotting remarkable species such as choughs and white-tailed eagles, experiences that brought her unexpected calm and peace. Her newfound enthusiasm was marked by a special birthday request—a pair of binoculars—which thrilled her parents.
Initially, Caitlin felt somewhat isolated in her enthusiasm, sensing that peers did not share her passion for birdwatching. She acknowledges the common stereotype that birdwatching is mostly an activity for older individuals, often taken up in retirement. Despite understanding there is nothing negative about that image, she felt like the only person among her age group seriously engaged in the hobby. However, her perspective broadened when she participated in a BBC Alba documentary that highlighted the presence of young female birdwatchers like herself. Through this, she discovered groups such as the Feminist Bird Club’s Inverness chapter, which promotes inclusivity in birdwatching, as well as professionals and volunteers devoted to bird conservation.
Caitlin’s favorite bird species include crested tits—which she enjoys spotting in the native pine forests of the Highlands—and gannets, whose large, powerful presence fascinates her. She appreciates how observing birds provides natural markers of seasonal change; the arrival of chiffchaffs signals spring, while sightings of redwings and fieldfares herald the approach of winter. Reflecting on the fluctuating nature of life, she finds a comforting consistency in the birds’ simple routines: “They are just trying to survive,” she says. This perspective, Caitlin explains, helps to put personal and global uncertainties into a smaller context, making her own problems feel less overwhelming
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