Bird watching is a pastime that many people find to be enjoyable. Bird watching or birding is the observation of birds with the naked eye or with enhanced observation with binoculars. Bird watching also includes the ear in detecting and locating the position of birds. Most bird watchers pursue this hobby for social and recreational reason, whereas, the ornithologist is engaged in the formal scientific study of birds.
Bird watching is becoming more popular in the United States than at any other time period. Many people are finding that bird watching is a fun and fairly inexpensive hobby. However, the bird watcher may find that this diversion can become rather expensive. Serious bird watchers who refer to themselves as “birders” find this hobby a fairly expensive endeavor. The distinction between a “bird watcher” and a “birder” is a matter of intensity and dedication.
Birders invest in expensive equipment such high powered binoculars, cameras, and camping equipment. They categorize and record records of their finds. The intensity of their work goes beyond the bird watcher’s general observations. They tend to follow strict procedure and a formal etiquette in their bird watching activities.
With the increase popularity of bird watching, birds and their habitats are being impacted. Bird watchers who violate nesting areas and trounce through the bird’s habitat has raised much concern in the bird watching community. These concerns have evolved into etiquette for bird watching. Bird watching etiquette includes the following protocol: Promoting the welfare of birds and their environment; avoiding stressing the birds by limiting use of photography and recording and playback equipment; respecting nests and nesting colonies; and respecting private property.
Bird watchers who want to help promote the welfare of birds and their environments join organizations that promote conservation of birds. In the United State the National Audubon Society and American Birding Association are active promoters of conservation efforts. British Trust for Ornithology and Royal Society for the Protection of Birds are organizations in the United Kingdom that promote bird environmental conservation efforts. On an international level birders can join BirdLife International which is an important global alliance of bird conservation groups.
Bird watching is a leisurely pursuit whose time has come. With the increased popularity of this hobby in the United States, the bird watcher has a responsibility to help protect the bird environments so others may come to enjoy this pastime.
