Birding allows people of all ages to immerse themselves in the nature that surrounds them, whether in their neighborhood or at a birding hotspot (Tundra Swans photographed by Paul Konrad).

All birders and business owners will be interested to learn about the newest information presented by the US Fish & Wildlife Service in the recent publication “Birding in the United States: A Demographic and Economic Analysis.” The report verifies that birders compose a huge portion of the American population – nearly 96 million Americans are birders, which is more than 1/3 of our population! Women and men participate at nearly equal levels with a slightly higher percentage of women birding, and the average age of birders is 49. But the big news is that birders are spending $107½ Billion Dollars annually on birding trips and equipment that includes binoculars, cameras and lenses, spotting scopes, bird foods, feeders, nest boxes, and much more.

Spending by birders helps to support jobs and business activity in local economies across the country. Direct trip-related and equipment expenditures are only part of the economic contribution of birders too, because the economic activities of birders have ripple effects throughout local and state economies. This insightful information is presented statistically in the recent publication “Birding in the United States: A Demographic and Economic Analysis,” which will be of interest to all birders and everyone in business, industry, tourism, wildlife and land management, research, education, and planning.

All birds offer a connection to nature that we all need, that comes to us during active and passive activities, while birding locally or on birding trips, as well as when we observe birds at our bird feeders at home, school, or work. Matt Hogan, the Mountain-Prairie Regional Director with the US Fish & Wildlife Service noted: “Birds are accessible, and nearly always with us no matter where we are – town or country. A connection to nature is demonstrably good for body, mind, and soul, and birding is one way to get there,” said

“No doubt about it, birding is important to the American people,” said Hogan, himself an avid birder. “The positive influence of birding on the American economy and jobs is hefty, encouraging, and appreciated. Birding and wildlife-related pursuits also have immeasurable aesthetic and intrinsic value.”

To refer to the new economic information about birding that provides many interesting insights into birders as a group, see “Birding in the United States: An Economic and Demographic Analysis,” which you can read online or download a copy of the report at Birding in the United States: A Demographic and Economic Analysis (fws.gov)