What the hobby of birding all about?

Did you know that a third of Wisconsinites over the age of 16 identify as "birders"? We think that's awesome! If you love watching birds, you can consider yourself a birder. The definition of this term is broad, diverse, and inclusive! Maybe you enjoy watching urban birds from your office window, or follow the habits of backyard birds from the comfort of your kitchen table. Or maybe you're a voracious "lister" who will jump in a car at a moments notice to see a rare migrant. No matter your style, the world of birds has something for you. 

Birding at Cherokee Marsh. Photo by Emily Meier

Birding at Cherokee Marsh. Photo by Emily Meier

There's no right or wrong way to bird, though there is a birder's code of ethics to observing birds. One of our goals at Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance (formerly Madison Audubon) is to encourage birders of all types, ages, and skill levels in their pursuit of this fantastic hobby. 

But birding is more than just a hobby: according to the US Fish & Wildlife Service, it's a huge part of who we are culturally, and bird-watching contributes significantly to our economy as well. Did you know... 

  • 46.7 million Americans enjoy watching and feeding birds (Wisconsin’s percentage of birders ranks second highest in the nation, tied with West Virginia)

  • $107 billion is spent on birdwatching equipment and travel in the U.S.

  • 666,000 jobs are created due to birdwatching.

  • $13 billion in local, state, and federal tax revenue results from birdwatching.

  • 17.8 million Americans travel to see birds, putting millions into local economies.

Below is a short compilation of suggested places to see birds, gear that will help you enjoy your outing, and tips to maximize your success (don't forget to check out our resources page, too). No matter what your style, remember that birds are for everyone!

GEAR

Birding can be a fantastic way to meet like-minded folks, spend time outdoors, and learn about our beautiful natural world. Photo by Emily Meier

Birding can be a fantastic way to meet like-minded folks, spend time outdoors, and learn about our beautiful natural world. Photo by Emily Meier

One of the beautiful things about birding is the fact that you don't need anything to pursue it as a hobby! Just your eyes and ears. That said, many find that their experience is enhanced by optics (binoculars or spotting scopes to bring distant birds into clearer focus) and a few minor outdoor essentials. Below are some helpful resources that can help you choose great gear that's perfect for your personal style.

 

FIELD GUIDES, song identification, and more

It's fun to observe birds, but knowing exactly what you're looking at is often the beginning birder's biggest challenge. Since everyone learns differently, we can't recommend just one approach to bolstering your bird ID. Plus, bird ID is complex - from colors to body shape to habitat type, there are many clues that can help lead you to a solid bird identification (check out Audubon.org's article, Tips for Identifying Birds) 

To get you started, we can suggest our favorite field guides and apps. Just head over to our RESOURCES page to see our top picks!

 

Get excited about the world of BIRDS

When we can't actually go outside to enjoy birds, the next best thing is to immerse ourselves in a great bird-related article, book, show, or movie. Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance staff picks include the following: