Bird watching is a popular hobby in the United Kingdom. People who participate in this hobby are referred to by a few different terms such as twitcher, birder, and birdwatcher. In this article, we will take a closer look at the various names used to describe bird watchers in the UK.
Twitcher
The term “twitcher” is commonly used in the UK to refer to a bird watcher. A twitcher is someone who is focused on “twitching” which means traveling long distances quickly to see a rare bird that has been sighted. Twitchers will drop everything when they hear news of a rare bird sighting and rush to get there before the bird flies away. The term twitcher tends to have a more negative connotation than birder or birdwatcher. It brings to mind an obsessive and highly competitive form of birding.
Birder
A “birder” is another term for a bird watcher in Britain. It is a more neutral term compared to “twitcher.” Birders enjoy observing and identifying wild birds in their natural habitats. The term birder is interchangeable with birdwatcher and simply refers to someone who watches birds recreationally.
Birdwatcher
“Birdwatcher” is probably the most universal and commonly used term for those who enjoy birdwatching as a hobby or pastime in the UK. It doesnt carry the same negative connotation as “twitcher” and is a more general term for someone who enjoys spending their free time observing birds.
Ornithologist
An ornithologist is a scientist who studies birds professionally, usually through advanced academic training and research. While ornithology is a branch of zoology focused on birds, an ornithologist has more rigorous, academic training compared to a recreational bird watcher. Many amateur birders appreciate and learn from the research conducted by ornithologists.
Determining the Right Term
So in summary, these are some of the main terms used to describe bird watching enthusiasts in the United Kingdom:
- Twitcher – Focused on “twitching” rare bird sightings
- Birder – General term for recreational bird watcher
- Birdwatcher – Most common neutral term
- Ornithologist – Academic who studies birds professionally
The right term to use depends on the specific context. “Twitcher” implies a fierce dedication to spotting rare birds first above all else. “Birder” and “birdwatcher” are interchangeable as more casual terms. And an “ornithologist” refers to someone who has advanced scientific knowledge of birds through formal study and research.
History of Birdwatching in the UK
Birdwatching has been a popular pastime in Britain for centuries. Here is a brief overview of the history and development of birding in the United Kingdom:
- 1800s – Egg collecting becomes a fashionable hobby which unfortunately disrupted some bird populations.
- 1880 – First Christmas seasonal bird count conducted.
- 1890 – Dwindling songbird populations lead to first bird preservation efforts.
- 1903 – Royal Society for the Protection of Birds founded.
- 1930s – Advent of binoculars helped popularize birding as it became more accessible.
- 1950s – BBC produces first TV program on ornithology hosted by James Fisher.
- 1960s – Regional bird clubs form across Britain.
- Today – Thousands of active birdwatchers across UK with many resources available.
While initially bird populations declined due to hunting and egg collecting, conservation efforts were put in place over time that helped restore numbers. As binocular and camera technology improved, birding grew as a widespread passion. And many rare species of birds can be found in the diverse habitats across Britain from woodlands, to shorelines, to mountain ranges.
Best Places for Birdwatching in UK
Here are some of the top spots across Britain to go bird watching:
1. Slimbridge Wetland Centre
Slimbridge Wetland Centre in Gloucestershire managed by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust has a huge diversity of bird species. Over 20,000 migratory birds stop at the wetlands each winter. Some rare species to spot here include Bewick’s swan, Eurasian spoonbill, and glaucous gull.
2. Lakenheath Fen Nature Reserve
This wetland habitat managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in Suffolk is home to rare species like Eurasian bittern, marsh harrier, and bearded tit. Lots of migratory birds pass through the reserve each year.
3. Farne Islands
Accessible via boat tours off the coast of Northumberland, these small islands are breeding grounds for many seabirds like puffins, guillemots, kittiwakes, and terns. Boat tours allow you to get very close to observe the birds.
4. Skomer and Skokholm Islands
Surrounded by the Pembrokeshire coast, these two small islands off Wales are birdwatcher paradises. Extensive seabird colonies of Manx shearwaters, razorbills, guillemots, and puffins nest here each spring and summer.
5. Fair Isle
Fair Isle is an isolated small island between Scotland and Shetland known for its wealth of rare birds. It’s a popular destination for twitchers looking to spot unusual species blown off course during migration like the pechora pipit.
6. Uists and Benbecula
This island chain northwest of Scotland has thousands of seabirds along its rugged coasts, moorlands, and machair. Rare species like golden eagles and corncrakes can also be spotted here.
Rare Bird Alert Services
Dedicated twitchers and birders can subscribe to rare bird alert services that provide up-to-date notifications when rare species are sighted around the UK. Some popular rare bird alert services include:
- Rare Bird Alert – Text or email alerts for rare bird sightings across Britain.
- BirdGuides – Breaking news service on rare bird sightings.
- Rare Bird Network – Real-time rare bird news online or via mobile app.
- Pagers – Electronic devices that receive rare bird alerts.
These services notify enthusiasts right away when a rare species is spotted so they can try to catch a glimpse before the bird moves on. This allows twitchers to add new exotic species to their life lists.
Notable British Twitchers
Here are some of the more famous British twitchers over the decades:
- James Fisher – Hosted first TV show on ornithology in 1950s and wrote popular birdwatching guides.
- Eric Simms – Renowned author on birds who spotted over 400 species in Britain.
- Bill Oddie – Celebrity birder and conservationist who starred on BBC shows Springwatch and Autumnwatch.
- Alan Davies – Comedian and actor who presented TV show Alan Davies’ Teenage Revolution on twitching.
- Lee Evans – Set world big year record in 1998 spotting over 700 species internationally.
- Ruth Miller – Youngest person to see over 500 species of birds in Britain in one year.
These prominent British bird enthusiasts helped popularize the pastime through media broadcasts on birding and by setting records for species sighted.
Birdwatching Resources
Birders and twitchers in the UK have access to many helpful resources and organizations:
- Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) – Conservation charity managing reserves and sharing research.
- British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) – Monitors bird populations and behaviors through surveys.
- Local birdwatching and naturalist clubs – Great way to meet fellow enthusiasts.
- Nature reserves and wildlife refuges – Prime bird spotting locations.
- Guidebooks and field guides – Help with species identification.
- Binoculars, spotting scopes, cameras – Essential birdwatching gear.
- Birdwatching forums and apps – Share sightings and connect online.
These resources help birders enjoy the hobby while also contributing to bird research and conservation efforts like annual bird counts.
Types of Birds Commonly Spotted
Here are some examples of popular and notable bird species that can be seen across Britain:
Seabirds
- Atlantic puffin
- Northern gannet
- Black-legged kittiwake
- Common guillemot
- Razorbill
- European shag
Birds of Prey
- Golden eagle
- Osprey
- Peregrine falcon
- Common buzzard
- Eurasian sparrowhawk
Wading Birds
- Eurasian oystercatcher
- Common redshank
- Ruddy turnstone
- Black-tailed godwit
- Pied avocet
Woodland Birds
- Eurasian jay
- Marsh tit
- Willow tit
- Lesser spotted woodpecker
- Eurasian nuthatch
This is just a small sampling of the many species that can be observed. From songbirds, to birds of prey, to shorebirds, the diversity is immense.
Threats to UK Birds
While bird populations have rebounded thanks to conservation work, there are still threats facing birds in the UK:
- Habitat loss and degradation – Due to development, agriculture, etc.
- Climate change – Affects migration patterns and threatening coastal species.
- Invasive species – Disrupt native ecosystems and compete for resources.
- Pollution – Contaminants can accumulate in birds and their prey.
- Illegal hunting/persecution – Some rare raptors are still targeted.
Ongoing conservation efforts seek to protect vital habitats, curb emissions, manage invasive species, enforce protections, and monitor bird health. Birders can also help by providing data on populations and reporting disturbing trends.
Importance of Birds to UK Ecosystems
Birds are incredibly important to ecosystems across Britain in many ways:
- Pest control – Birds like swallows and swifts eat massive amounts of flying insects helping control bug populations.
- Seed dispersal – Birds spread the seeds of berries and other plants through their droppings as they fly and roost.
- Pollination – Some birds like hummingbirds pollinate flowers and plants as they gather nectar.
- Nutrient cycling – Bird droppings (guano) are rich in nitrogen and fertilize areas. Seabirds help transfer nutrients from ocean to land.
- Scavenging – Scavenger birds like gulls clean up dead animals and waste preventing spread of disease.
- Predator control – Birds of prey help naturally regulate rodent and other small pest populations.
Protecting native bird species is key to maintaining healthy ecosystems through all these natural processes birds provide.
Bird Species in Decline
While many species have rebounded, some species of birds in the UK are facing population declines for a variety of reasons:
| Species | Population Trend | Key Threats |
|---|---|---|
| Common quail | 93% decline since 1970s | Habitat loss, hunting |
| European turtle dove | 93% decline since 1990s | Hunting, habitat loss |
| Common starling | 80% decline since 1970s | Agricultural changes |
| Eurasian curlew | 50% decline since 1990s | Habitat degradation |
| Common cuckoo | 48% decline since 1980s | Habitat changes in Africa |
Raptors like hen harriers are also still illegally persecuted. Monitoring and protective programs seek to reverse these worrying declines.
Citizen Science Bird Projects
Birders and twitchers can contribute to scientific research and conservation through citizen science projects such as:
- Breeding Bird Survey – Helps monitor breeding bird populations across Britain.
- BirdTrack – Track sightings via app to generate data on distribution and trends.
- Big Garden Birdwatch – RSPB’s annual count of birds that visit back gardens.
- Wetland Bird Survey – Monitors waterbird populations and wetland health.
- Nest Records Scheme – Find and track details on bird nesting sites and productivity.
Submitting observations to these projects helps scientists analyze bird populations changes over time and assess conservation needs.
Conclusion
Birdwatching has a long and popular history in the United Kingdom. Those who enjoy this hobby are generally referred to as twitchers, birders, or birdwatchers. While many species have thriving populations thanks to conservation efforts, some birds still face worrying declines due to habitat loss and other threats. Birders and twitchers play an important role in researching and protecting birds across Britain by contributing data to scientific surveys and citizen science projects.
