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If you are searching for a way to unwind, you may want to try birding or bird watching. It is the simple act of observing birds in their natural habitat. You may find yourself thinking, “How would watching birds help me unwind?” The answer is simple—it forces you to live in the present moment. Read our birding tips below.

Being outside observing nature, walking around Oquirrh Lake and capturing photos of birds in Daybreak has become a time of meditation and reflection for Daybreak resident Cindy Costa. She and her mother moved to the neighborhood in 2018 after experiencing the loss of a family member and her mother being diagnosed with dementia.

“Losing a sibling and health declines changes your perspective on life. So, after a few years, I decided to retire early…and move from California to Utah,” shared Cindy.

Upon arriving to Utah, Cindy and her mother instantly fell in love with Daybreak—the lake, colorful homes that reminded Cindy of trips to Cape Cod, and a neighborhood filled with year-round opportunities to hone her photography skills.

Over the years, Cindy has spent countless hours on early morning walks around the lake. Listening for the first sounds of daylight as the neighborhood birds welcomed her with their tweets.

“My break from being my mother’s caregiver was early morning walks around the lake – discovering and photographing the various species of birds,” shared Cindy. “On nice days, I’d take my mom around the lake in a wheelchair. Over time it became more difficult getting her out, so we’d sit on the back patio watching the dozens of birds that would visit my bird feeders and water fountain. Although birdwatching was my release, my mom quickly became a fan of bird watching as well.” 

Nature and your health

Studies have shown that most people benefit from being in nature. That’s why we based the plan for Daybreak on a simple 5-minute rule, placing all sorts goodness within easy walking or biking distance from home. Mix-in 50+ miles of trail, a 67-acre freshwater lake, wildlife, and abundant parkland—Daybreak becomes and outdoor oasis. Feeding the mind, body and soul.

The University of Exeter found that people who live in neighborhoods with an abundance of trees and birds are less likely to be depressed, anxious or stressed. And that regardless of demographic factors there is a positive association between nature and mental health.

If you are searching for a way to unwind, you may want to try birding or bird watching. It is the simple act of observing birds in their natural habitat. You may find yourself thinking, “How would watching birds help me unwind?” The answer is simple—it forces you to live in the present moment.

You don’t have to be an expert to go birding. You can do it in your own backyard, right here in Daybreak. In fact, in the United States there are more than 41 million backyard birders. Grab a pair of binoculars, look to the sky and get started with the tips below.

Birding Tips

Birding can be as simple as walking out your backdoor, but if you want to elevate your experience take note of the following tips for birding from Bird Watchers Digest.

  • Be quiet
  • Avoid sudden movements
  • Follow the crowd
  • Study habitat
  • Work the flock
  • Be patient
  • Get the sun at your back
  • Try pishing or bird calling
  • Avoid brightly colored clothes
  • Look around

Birds in Daybreak

While walking around Oquirrh Lake, you may catch a glimpse of the following birds and winged creatures listed below:

  • Mallard (Drakes/Hens)
  • Lesser Scaup
  • Ruddy Duck
  • Double-breasted Cormorant
  • American Coot
  • Common Goldeneye/Barrow’s Goldeneye
  • Pied-billed Grebe
  • Eared Grebe
  • Canadian Goose
  • Brewer’s Blackbird
  • Yellow-headed Blackbird
  • Foster’s Terns
  • Barn Swallow
  • Killdeer
  • American Kestrel
  • Wilson’s Phalarope
  • Dragonfly
  • Mylitta Crescent

And here are a few birds that you may find as you explore the neighborhood via our 50+ miles of trail:

  • Robin
  • House Finch
  • American Gold Finch
  • Lesser Gold Finch
  • Ducklings
  • Ruby-crowned Kinglet
  • Sharp-shinned Hawk
  • Kestrel
  • Black-chinned Hummingbird
  • Rufous Hummingbird
  • Calliope Hummingbird
  • House Finch
  • Dark-eyed Junco
  • Say’s Phoebe
  • Starlings
Robin in a bird bath at Daybreak | Tips for Birding
Says Phoebe | Tips for Birding
Black Chinned Hummingbird | South Jordan, Utah
Ruby Crowne Kinglet | Tips for Birding
Brewers Blackbird on a post overlooking Oquirrh Lake | South Jordan, Utah
Yellow Headed Blackbird | Birding in Daybreak
Hen and ducklings swimming in Oquirrh Lake | South Jordan, Utah
Rufous Humingbird | Tips for Birding
Male Mallard soaring over Oquirrh Lake | South Jordan, Utah
Red Winged Blackbird in Daybreak | South Jordan, Utah

Grab your binoculars, step outside your new Daybreak home, and enjoy a little slice of birding heaven.

You can see more of Cindy’s photography at https://cmcosta.com/.

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Daybreak 20 Years Celebration