Bird watching is more than a hobby—it's a catalyst for positive change in communities, conservation, and personal wellbeing.
Bird watching has the power to create real-world positive change.
Through gamified bird watching technology, we help connect people to their local birds in an engaging and fun way that makes it easy to initiate regular nature connection while learning more about biodiversity and increasing wellbeing.
However, we are just getting started and we envision a future where Wingmate creates valuable impact across education, conservation, wellbeing, and community.
People with the highest nature connectedness are 4.6 times more likely to have the highest life satisfaction compared to those with the lowest connection levels
The immense positive impact of connecting with nature has been extensively researched and documented, with benefits such as reduced anxiety and stress, increased mood, physical health benefits, and more.
The 2025 National survey on Nature connection and wellbeing in Australia determined that the link between life satisfaction and nature connection is similar in strength to life satisfaction and personal income.
Bird watching and birds support mental health and wellbeing. A 2022 study found seeing or hearing a bird song improved mental wellbeing for up to eight hours after engagement.
"Just 30 minutes of bird watching is enough to gain mental health benefits and heightened nature connection"
Among Gen Z in 2025, mobile phone usage averages 7.5 hours per day for ages 13–19 and 5–7 hours for ages 20–26. Wingmate meets young people where they are, encouraging balance between digital and nature connection.
For those new to bird watching, our beginner's guide provides everything you need to get started on this rewarding journey.
Australians under 35 face increasing mental distress and loneliness, with nearly half experiencing high psychological distress. In this challenging landscape, meaningful connections are more important than ever.
Mental health benefits through nature connection and mindfulness
Connecting like-minded people through shared passion
Learning about biodiversity and ecological stewardship
Our experience shows bird watching communities connect like-minded people, fostering friendships and wellbeing through real-life clubs and events. Learn more about our team and the community we're building together.
"We downloaded Wingmate for our daughter's keen interest in native birds. The app is easy to use and a wonderful way to engage young bird watchers on walks."
Wingmate shares Australian bird knowledge, acting as a field guide to encourage environmental stewardship. We aim to partner with schools and conservation groups to engage youth in learning about biodiversity and native species.
Gamified learning experiences help young people develop ecological literacy while building meaningful connections with their local environment and wildlife.
Early user feedback from families has been positive, showing gamified mechanics can foster lasting bonds with nature. By making bird identification accessible and engaging, we're helping build the next generation of conservationists.
Nature connection drives conservation action
Wingmate inspires joy and awe for birds, fostering motivation to protect nature. Research shows that nature connectedness is positively correlated with conservation motivation, and there is strong interest in spending time outdoors.
Up from 70% in 2023
We meet people where they are spending their time and translate that into higher engagement with birds and biodiversity. Explore Australian birds and New Zealand birds to discover the incredible diversity in your region.
CSIRO notes over half of biodiversity records in Australia's Atlas are from citizen scientists. Research highlights that citizen science provides long-term, widespread data, community engagement, and cost savings over traditional monitoring methods.
Australia's Strategy for Nature 2024–2030 prioritizes citizen science to empower stewardship and knowledge sharing. Wingmate users build life lists and track bird sightings, complementing official conservation efforts and contributing valuable data to researchers.
Wingmate connects Australians and New Zealanders with nature, sparking biodiversity curiosity, fostering community, inspiring stewardship, promoting wellbeing, and supporting research.
Together, we're building a community of bird watchers who are not only enriching their own lives but contributing to the conservation of the incredible bird species that share our world.
Every bird watcher contributes to conservation, education, and community. Start your journey today and be part of the positive change.