The Popularity of Birding is Still Growing
Abstract
What are the "field marks" of the entry-level birder of the past few years?
She is probably between 40 and 59 years old and is white. She puts in about 10 birding days or fewer per year, trying to squeeze birding into a busy life, although she also finds herself engaged in related activities: walking for pleasure, attending family outdoor gatherings, and visiting nature centers. This female birder lives in the South in a suburban area, has a modest-to-middle-income standard of living ($15,000-$50,000), and may not have a college degree.
This profile and the data that document the recent growth in birding come from the National Survey on Recreation and the Environment (NSRE). They address only birding that takes place when the participant purposely goes outside or takes a trip away from home for birding and other recreation pursuits.