Embracing the captivating hobby of birdwatching can now extend beyond the physical realm, with a selection of exciting upcoming video games offering virtual avian adventures. For those who appreciate the tranquility of observing birds but prefer the comfort of indoors, these titles provide an engaging alternative. While virtual sightings won't populate a real-life checklist, they serve as an excellent introduction to the diverse and fascinating world of birds, potentially fostering a deeper appreciation for nature.

Many of these games feature exploration of varied ecosystems, encouraging players to document avian species through virtual photography. Others adopt a more relaxed approach, allowing players to establish habitats and passively observe the birds that visit. This growing genre offers a unique blend of entertainment and education, and is poised to attract both seasoned bird enthusiasts and curious newcomers. Here are four standout birdwatching games on Steam to keep an eye on, promising hours of enjoyable virtual bird discovery.

Flock Around

"Flock Around," despite its whimsical visual style, offers a surprisingly accurate birdwatching experience. Players, either solo or with friends, are dropped into a park setting armed with a bird guide and a camera, tasked with locating and photographing various species. The game challenges players with its lack of explicit hints regarding bird locations or appearances, mimicking the observational skills required in real-life birding. Approaching birds too quickly will startle them, sending them scattering and hiding, adding a layer of realism to the interaction.

The demo of "Flock Around" provides a taste of the full experience, featuring 20 bird species to discover. The thrill is amplified by the rare chance of encountering 'shiny' variants of birds. While a release date remains unannounced, the engaging demo has left many players eagerly awaiting the full launch, showcasing the potential for a fun, cooperative birdwatching adventure.

Birdwatching Notebook

For those interested in virtual birding but hesitant to dive into highly realistic simulations, "Birdwatching Notebook" presents a compelling middle ground. This idle game allows players to craft an ideal bird-friendly environment, such as a plant-filled balcony or a feeder-laden window, and then patiently await the arrival of various bird species. The game is designed for a relaxed, observational pace, with the option to minimize the window and keep an eye on your virtual garden throughout the day.

As time progresses, a diverse array of birds, from hoopoes to warbling white-eyes and house sparrows, will visit, each bringing unique 'treasures' that can be exchanged for in-game currency. This currency, in turn, can be used to further enhance your setup with new decorations and feeders. The demo proved to be remarkably addictive, and with a full release anticipated this year, players can look forward to nurturing their virtual bird sanctuaries and observing avian life from their digital windowsills.

Look to the Birds

In contrast to the more casual titles, "Look to the Birds" offers a more immersive and realistic birdwatching simulation. This game takes players out of the confines of a single location and into diverse natural environments, where they can actively seek out and observe different bird species. The game guarantees bird sightings within these locations, ensuring a rewarding experience without aimless wandering. As players traverse these biomes, they can capture photographs of species and meticulously log their findings in a virtual journal, complete with sketches and behavioral notes.

As journal pages are filled with new discoveries, more areas become accessible, leading to encounters with an even wider variety of birds. "Look to the Birds" appears to prioritize a calm, meditative gameplay experience over a fast-paced hunt. Although there's no demo available and the release is vaguely scheduled for Q3 2026, the prospect of a detailed and tranquil birding journey is highly anticipated.

Birding Simulator: Bird Photographer

"Birding Simulator: Bird Photographer" promises to be an essential title for virtual bird enthusiasts and aspiring wildlife photographers alike. This first-person photography simulator invites players to explore various biomes teeming with a vast array of bird species, with the primary objective of capturing their images. A particularly enticing feature is the opportunity to photograph some of the world's rarest birds, a privilege often out of reach in real life due to the costs associated with specialized camera equipment and travel.

Despite its prolonged development, with a release window still listed as "Coming Soon" on Steam, there remains significant hope for its eventual launch. The game's appeal lies in its promise of a realistic photography system, offering a chance to hone virtual photography skills before committing to expensive real-world gear. Furthermore, the assurance of finding worthwhile photographic subjects makes this simulation a potentially valuable and enjoyable experience for anyone passionate about birds and photography.