Balancing Birding and Tech: How to Disconnect Without Missing Out

Blue Waxbill photographed by Adam Cruickshank

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Technology has definitely made birding a lot more accessible. It’s probably one of the biggest reasons we’re seeing more young people getting into birding today.

But while technology brings a lot of positives, it also has its downsides. We're exposed to screens and digital noise almost every day, and birding should be the perfect time to unplug. Yet, like most other days, we often find ourselves chained to our phones, struggling to fully disconnect. It’s gotten so bad that I don’t even enjoy birding unless I have my phone with me to record what I see.

Some apps require more attention than others, making it harder for us to stay present in the field.

Let’s break it down:

Bird Identification Apps – The Lightweights

Bird ID apps are probably the least demanding. You don’t need to use them every time you see a bird—just when you need to confirm an ID or check a call (and yes, let’s be honest, sometimes we use them for playback too). These apps still keep us somewhat connected but are relatively easy to manage.

BirdLasser and Bindo – The Middleweights

These are brilliant tools for keeping life lists and contributing valuable citizen science data. They’re a bit more demanding than ID apps because they require you to log species per pentad. Bindo, in particular, requires monitoring when you cross into a new pentad, but this is manageable with a bit of practice.

eBird – The Heavyweight Champion

Ah, eBird. My love-hate relationship. I love its global contribution to bird science, but using it feels like I’m constantly glued to my phone. You don’t just log a species—you need to count individuals, track precise locations, and split checklists based on defined hotspots. In some reserves, you can’t just start one list and carry on, you need to figure out how others have split the areas. For someone who likes clean, defined systems, this drives me nuts!

So how do we enjoy the benefits of tech without being consumed by it?

Here are three simple ways to disconnect more while birding:

1. Give Yourself Permission to Go Phoneless

I’m twitching just writing this - but seriously, it’s okay to go out and not record everything you see. Birds won’t go extinct if you skip a checklist now and then. Going phoneless can help you slow down and enjoy a deeper, more meaningful birding experience from time to time.

2. Use Shared Checklists

Both Bindo and eBird allow shared checklists. When birding in a group, nominate one person to log the list and add the others later. That way, you can simply enjoy the birds and still have your sightings recorded.

3. Switch to Aeroplane Mode

This one’s easy and effective. You can still use your apps, but turning off notifications helps you avoid the constant temptation to check messages. It limits distractions and allows for a stronger connection with the natural world around you.

What are your tips for finding the right balance between technology and fully enjoying time in nature?

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