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长期以来，“birdwatching（观鸟）” 都被许多人视作老一辈的爱好。随着科技的发展，年轻一代观鸟爱好者拥有了越来越丰富的装备，甚至还能借助根据鸟鸣识别鸟类品种的应用程序来观鸟。这些工具鼓励观鸟爱好者记录自己发现的鸟类，并与他人比较观测到的品种和数量。如今，这项古老的爱好再次焕发出了新的活力。阅读本文，了解观鸟如何成为英国年轻人中的新潮流。

词汇：nature 自然

1 Many young Brits are buying binoculars in hopes of encountering one of nature's most physically and audibly beautiful creatures - birds. You might think of birdwatching as an old-fashioned pastime most often enjoyed by the generations before you, but surveys conducted by the RSPB show a 47% increase in participation overall, with an even higher 1,088% surge by Gen Zers. So why do so many young people want to flock to the park to watch birds?

2 A group leader at RSPB Bristol highlighted how many students have joined his outings. He mentioned that some who join have 'never been out in their local nature spaces' and 'want to explore'. He added that the diversity of species you can find is impressive 'considering it's so urban' around the city. There is also the rise of a desire to disconnect from technology and go outside, or as Gen Z would call it touch grass, to help with mental health. Research from the University of Surrey has looked at how bird sounds restore attention and even alleviate stress.

3 Ironically, when interviewed by BBC Bristol, individuals mentioned how phones and social media have actually helped encourage the hype of this hobby. There are now a variety of apps in which you can record a birdsong and have it instantly identified. People also use social media to share knowledge and location for birds. A phenomenon known as 'bioblitzing', a combination of bio and blitzing, has emerged. This is when a walker documents as many birds and other species of animals as they can within a limited amount of time. It has been said to create a safe space in which birdwatchers can get into friendly competitions over who can spot the most! Furthermore, a buzz around the birdwatching hashtag has cultivated humour around turning 30 and entering your 'birdwatching era'.

4 Whether it's the chance to reconnect with nature, improve mental wellbeing, or join a growing online community, birdwatching is no longer seen as a hobby reserved for older generations. Young people are embracing it in record numbers, using both technology and the outdoors to discover the wildlife on their doorstep. From identifying birdsongs with apps to competing in bioblitzing challenges, a modern twist has transformed the pastime into something fresh and accessible. It seems that for Gen Z and young millennials alike, birdwatching has become a hoot.

测验与练习

一、为本文选择总结句。

a. More young people are enjoying birdwatching.
b. Most young people have always enjoyed birdwatching.
c. Young people might be enjoying birdwatching.

二、根据文章内容选出正确的选项。

1. According to RSPB surveys, what was the increase in birdwatching participation among Gen Z?
a. 47%
b. 108%
c. 1088%

2. Why do some students join RSPB outings, according to the group leader in Bristol?
a. to complete school assignments
b. to explore local natural spaces they have never visited
c. to learn photography

3. Research from the University of Surrey found that bird sounds can help reduce stress.
a. True
b. False
c. Not given

4. Which of the following is an example of "bioblitzing"?
a. building birdhouses in local parks
b. documenting as many species as possible within an hour
c. feeding birds in urban areas

5. Most young birdwatchers do not use social media to share information about the birds they have found.
a. True
b. False
c. Not given

三、用下列单词完成对本文的总结。

Birdwatching has now become a real 1) _______ for young adults. A huge 2) _______ of young people going on birdwatching 3) _______ has been observed. Their wish is to 4) _______ these 5) _______ beautiful creatures and their relaxing birdsongs.

audibly
encounter
flock
hoot
ironically
outings
surge

（答案见词汇表后）

词汇表

binoculars 双筒望远镜
audibly 可以听到地
pastime 消遣，娱乐
surge 猛增，激增
flock 蜂拥而至，成群前往
outing 外出活动
diversity 多样性
touch grass 出门走走，亲近大自然
alleviate 缓解，减轻
ironically 具有讽刺意味地
hype 大肆宣传，炒作
bioblitzing 生物速查活动
spot 发现，看到
buzz 热议，热潮
cultivate 促成，催生出
era 时，时期
reserve 只属于…的
embrace 欣然接受
doorstep 家门口，近在咫尺的地方
twist 意外的变化
a hoot 非常有趣的事

答案

一、为本文选择总结句。

a. More young people are enjoying birdwatching.

二、根据文章内容选出正确的选项。

1. c. …surveys conducted by the RSPB show a 47% increase in participation overall, with an even higher 1,088% surge by Gen Zers.

2. b.He mentioned that some who join have 'never been out in their local nature spaces' and 'want to explore'.

3. a. True.Research from the University of Surrey has looked at how bird sounds restore attention and even alleviate stress.

4. b.This is when a walker documents as many birds and other species of animals as they can within a limited amount of time.

5. b. False.People also use social media to share knowledge and location for birds.

三、用下列的单词完成对本文的总结。

Birdwatching has now become a real hoot for young adults. A huge surge of young people going on birdwatching outings has been observed. Their wish is to encounter these audibly beautiful creatures and their relaxing bird songs.