In our pursuit of that elusive thing called happiness, scientists can offer few findings. One is that, contrary to popular belief, money can actually buy happiness. Another, more recent, is that so can birds… “According to our findings, the happiest Europeans are those who can experience numerous different bird species in their daily life, or who live in near-natural surroundings that are home to many species.” The social isolation necessitated by the coronavirus pandemic has pushed many people to escape into the outdoors and reconnect with nature. Research suggests that spending more time in nature and with animals can help people relax and even lessen physical and mental stress. And the more birds, the better, according to the study, which analyzed data from the “2012 European quality of Life Survey” on life satisfaction in more than 26,000 adults from 26 European countries. A 10 percent increase in the number of bird species in peoples’ surroundings increased their life satisfaction as much as an extra 10 percent in the bank, the study found.
— Anagha Srikanth, from “New study finds birds give people as much happiness as money” (thehill.com, March 24, 2021)
Photo: DK @ Daybreak, 6:49 am. March 21, 2021, Norwalk, CT
Live & Learn 
So interesting! I do feel a surge of joy when I hear the birds at dawn. Being in nature always lifts my spirits and brings me into balance once more. I love this wee duckie Dave❣️
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Smiling. Thanks Val….
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That is interesting. I do love birding!
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It is! Me too!
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Wonderfull.
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I’m noticing the increase of quantity and quality of birds here in my new carolina home. And yes, what a joy they bring with their chatter!
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They’re welcoming you to your new Home!
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Oh yes! Hadn’t thought about it that way.🙂
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Reblogged this on It Is What It Is and commented:
“According to our findings, the happiest Europeans are those who can experience numerous different bird species in their daily life, or who live in near-natural surroundings that are home to many species.” … and much more!! … Anagha Srikanth, from “New study finds birds give people as much happiness as money” (thehill.com, March 24, 2021).
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Fascinating. I must say, I hadn’t really thought much about this, DK, but now that you bring it up, I realize that birds are a beloved part of the ‘soundtrack of my life.’
The mourning doves cooing in the pre-dawn hours, the Sandhill Cranes barking as they complete their late afternoon flyover, the occasional rasp of the gorgeous Great Blue Heron as it fishes along the edges of our pond, the scream of a Red-Tailed Hawk in hot pursuit of prey across the pasture, the knowing hoot of the owls in the pines at night…yes, they bring me great joy, and a sense of peace…..
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Ok. Read it twice. Lips forming “cooooooing” and my eyes skim the rest of comment. Beautiful. Full stop.
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{Blushing}
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Interesting!
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So…. it’s true?
We’re going to the birds?
those golden orange sunrises are stunning DK. Stunning.
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We are! Thankfully Louise. Thank you!
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I didn’t know you had orange water on the east coast! Ours is gray.
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Yes. Like Orange Crush Soda!
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Uh-oh! You’re dating yourself. Do they still make that 50s drink?
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Laughing. True. Yes, they do.
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In that case, I withdraw my comment about dating yourself. I don’t think I’ve had a drink of Orange Crush since I was 12 years old, and that wasn’t yesterday.
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I had some last year. More sugary than I remember! But that fizz, unmistakable Orange Crush.
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Great work 👍 genius beautiful and brilliant
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Yes!!!!
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I wrote about a bird today, and while I love having them around, and even saw some amazing ones in the aviary at the zoo yesterday, I did have an unexpected encounter with one, that was not the best. my own fault really, so I learned something. )
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Smiling. But what great inspiration for your post!!! Loved it btw….
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yes, not the best idea, and thanks )
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So true. Sea eagles 🦅 and Osprey visit me nearly every weekend at the beach. And when I see them hover over me, my hearts sings 👏🌈
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Sea Eagles. Wow. I bet your heart sings.
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🎵 🎶 🎵👏
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It’s funny you should share this one because just yesterday, during my daily walk, I was thinking there were so many varieties of birdsong. I’m actually starting to recognise them, too (not that I know diddly squat about birds besides the obvious ones…) Still, they are the reason I walk sans earphones.
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Awwwww. What an in orinthologist!
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You so funny…
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I COMPLETELY agree with this…more, more birds. 🙂
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MORE!
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