Birdwatchers, also known as birders or twitchers, are people who enjoy observing wild birds in nature. Like any hobby, birdwatching has its own unique culture and terminology. One of the most well-known nicknames for a birder is “twitcher”.
Where does the term “twitcher” come from?
“Twitcher” originated in the United Kingdom and refers to a particularly enthusiastic or ambitious birder. It derives from the practice of “twitching” – traveling long distances on short notice to spot a rare bird that has been sighted. The thrill of the chase and the rush of tracking down an unusual find appeals to hardcore twitchers.
When did birdwatching become popular?
Birdwatching first emerged as a recreational pastime in the late 19th century. Improvements to optical equipment like binoculars enabled the observation of birds in greater detail. Publications catering to early bird enthusiasts included field guides and birding magazines that tracked rare species.
The growing interest in ecology in the 1960s and 70s corresponded with a surge in popularity for birdwatching. Environmental movements emphasizing conservation made people more aware of the importance of protecting habitats and wildlife.
How many people identify as birdwatchers today?
According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, more than 45 million Americans observe birds, spending over $40 billion annually in pursuit of their hobby. The U.S. and U.K. have traditionally had the most birders, but the activity has expanded globally and is now popular on every continent.
What activities are involved in birdwatching?
Typical birdwatching activities include:
- Using binoculars and spotting scopes to observe birds in their natural environments
- Recording bird sightings in a logbook and keeping detailed lists
- Traveling to visit new habitats and spot rare species
- Joining birdwatching clubs and events
- Photographing and filming birds
- Contributing data to citizen science projects
What kind of equipment do birdwatchers use?
Essential birdwatching gear includes:
- Binoculars – For magnifying distant birds
- Spotting scope – A portable telescope on a tripod
- Field guide – A book with illustrations and details about bird identification
- Notebook and pen – For recording sightings and logging numbers
- Birding app – Provides information, ID assistance, and eBird integration
Additional equipment that avid birders may invest in:
- Telephoto camera lens – For photographing birds
- Bird feeders/nest boxes – To attract birds to observe near home
- Birding vest/pack – Specialized clothing with many pockets
- Digiscoping adapters – Attach a camera to spotting scope
- Kayak/canoe – For accessing wetland areas
What are popular birdwatching locations?
Good birding hotspots include:
- National wildlife refuges and nature reserves
- State/provincial parks
- Coastlines and wetlands
- Mountain ranges
- Deserts
- Rainforests
Backyards and urban parks can also be prime birding spots!
What are some rare bird sightings a twitcher might travel to see?
Here are some unusual birds that draw crowds of twitchers when spotted:
- Ivory Gull – An Arctic species rarely seen south of Canada
- Kirtland’s Warbler – An endangered North American songbird
- Snowy Owl – A large owl that migrates south irregularly in winter
- California Condor – A critically endangered vulture
- Spoon-billed Sandpiper – A threatened shorebird that breeds in Russia
- Resplendent Quetzal – A beautiful Central American bird with iridescent feathers
- Jabiru – A huge stork from South America
What are some milestones for an ambitious twitcher?
Challenges that dedicated birdwatchers aspire to include:
- Seeing over 700 species in North America
- Observing over 5,000 total species worldwide
- Photographing/recording every species in their state/province
- Spotting over half the world’s bird families
- Visiting renowned global birding destinations like the Amazon and Papua New Guinea
- Seeing all continental ABA-area birds in one calendar year
Do twitchers have a code of birding ethics?
Most responsible birders adhere to an informal code of conduct:
- Respect and do not disturb birds or their habitats
- Avoid stressing or altering birds’ natural behaviors
- Practice ethical photography – no flash, nest disturbance, etc.
- Avoid playback calls to attract birds during nesting periods
- Stay on trails and viewing platforms to minimize trampling
- Support conservation efforts and scientific research
Conclusion
Twitchers are birding enthusiasts willing to go the extra mile to spot an unusual feathered friend. Their nickname pokes fun at their often obsessive hobby. But most twitchers are driven by a genuine passion for birds and a desire to protect fragile avian populations and habitats worldwide.