Contents



Preface

*"While there are many ways how we humans are letting the numbers of bird individuals and species diminish, there is also a lot we could and should do to halt* 

Birds are among the best known and studied organisms and were the first taxonomic animal group used to identify biogeographic regions, and that work continues in the most biodiverse regions on earth [1]. The popularity of birds to the public has facilitated the development of digitally accessible databases combining observations often made by non-academic birders in their local areas [2]. Freely accessible bird occurrence and ringing data explain why scientists have often been able to make sophisticated species distribution models, which have been frequently used for

The soaring popularity of bird watching is a fast-growing hobby for millions of people across the globe. As mundane as it seems to many, it is a real passion for others. Almost 60 million Americans identify themselves as birdwatchers, whereas only 24 million Americans play basketball, 23 million play baseball, and 9 million

Birdwatching is an extremely healthy hobby because one is moving outside, likely reading and learning, and preferably taking notes, drawing, and imitating sounds

During the Coronavirus pandemic birdwatching gained more popularity when people experiencing lockdown looked outside and began to appreciate the colourful wildlife their windows framed, especially birds [6]. The traffic of the Audubon society website spiked 23% in March and April 2020, compared to the year prior, and one Chicago bird-related Facebook group grow 134% during the same months [6].

After this pandemic, an increasing number of birdwatchers will again be traveling to long-haul destinations to seek new bird species that cannot be seen in their own country or region. To benefit from this growing market, however, developing countries have to provide what birdwatchers demand, including safety, accessibility,

In the United Kingdom birdwatching expenditures are estimated at 500 million USD per year. Spending of birders varies, naturally, depending on whether they participate in their hobby at or near home, within their home country, or internationally. It has been concluded that birders and other wildlife specialists spend more money than generalists, and ecotourism including birdwatching can be more lucrative for a community than other types of economic activities [7].

Many birders are willing to pay to see a particular species. In Costa Rica seeing a new species may [cost about 8-10 USD, whereas seeing a new species in the United States

that birds make. This engages your entire brain and keeps it healthy [5].

infrastructure, quality of bird life, and knowledgeable guides [7].

*Dieter Thomas Tietze, 2018*.

*this trend and preserve avian diversity."* 

better conservation plans [3].

play American football [4].
