American robins are a delightful sight throughout North America, often gracing neighborhoods and cities with their cheerful trills. You might hear their melodious tunes before catching a glimpse, though they aren’t particularly elusive. With their unmistakable orange bellies, they stand out among other birds, making them easy to identify. From my desk, I have a view into my neighbor’s backyard, where a bird feeder peeks out between the tree branches. Among all the birds that visit, robins are the most frequent guests.
A Reddit user once pointed out, “You could spend hours looking here and not get any. Or get very few.” This observation seems to hold true in various places, much like the experience of observing birds in the wild.
While it may be challenging to spot certain birds in Red Dead Redemption 2, the game excels in providing a satisfying birding experience. Rockstar Games has meticulously recreated the birds’ appearances and habitats. As you play, you’ll often hear a bird song and can use binoculars to pinpoint its location. When the main character, Arthur Morgan, discovers a new bird, he records a quick sketch in his journal, echoing the practices of many real-life birders. These sketches are swift and gestural, capturing the essence of the birds he encounters.
Even seven years after its release, I haven’t encountered another game that so authentically captures the essence of birdwatching. I can lose myself for hours, traversing the game’s landscape on horseback, tuning in to bird calls, spotting fluttering wings, and focusing through binoculars for a closer look. If you’re in need of a tranquil escape into nature or are curious about birdwatching, this game might just be your perfect entry point.
