Bird Diversity Unconsciously Increases People’s Satisfaction with Where They Live

There is growing evidence that exposure to nature increases human well-being, including in urban areas. However, relatively few studies have linked subjective satisfaction objective features of the environment. In this study we explore links among environmental (tree cover, water, and bird diversity) judgements satisfaction. We surveyed residents Ottawa, Canada (n = 1035) about their with local neighbourhoods. then compared survey responses measures near homes, diversity (number species), tree canopy distance water. After controlling for effects income happiness, residents’ neighbourhood was positively related number species nearby, even before participants were prompted consider nature. Residents’ appreciation neigbourhood relative others also increased cover nearness Unsolicited comments from following indicated while consciously appreciate trees relationship between appears be unconscious; very mentioned birds. Based on these results, speculate a diverse community may provoke feelings through presence, activity, songs. Our results create compelling argument city planners individual maintain bird-friendly spaces