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For The Birds: Three tips that will make you a birder (and not just a bird-watcher)

  • Jun 13, 2024
  • Canadiana
  • 3 minute read

Let’s talk turkey. For those unfamiliar with this community, the difference between a birder and a bird-watcher may seem like a minor detail.

But a growing number of Canadians have made the leap from being casual onlookers of our neighbourhood feathered friends (a bird-watcher) to actively seeking out opportunities to spot them in their more natural habitats (a birder).

According to Jody Allair, Director of Citizen Science and Community Engagement for Birds Canada, “All mid-to-large towns in Canada have a birding group or naturalist club”.

Given the popularity of the hobbies, let’s look at three tips that will take you from average backyard bird enthusiast to the proactive pursuit that defines the birder community.

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Let’s talk turkey. For those unfamiliar with this community, the difference between a birder and a bird-watcher may seem like a minor detail.

But a growing number of Canadians have made the leap from being casual onlookers of our neighbourhood feathered friends (a bird-watcher) to actively seeking out opportunities to spot them in their more natural habitats (a birder).

According to Jody Allair, Director of Citizen Science and Community Engagement for Birds Canada, “All mid-to-large towns in Canada have a birding group or naturalist club”.

Given the popularity of the hobbies, let’s look at three tips that will take you from average backyard bird enthusiast to the proactive pursuit that defines the birder community.

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According to author and bird enthusiast, Jonathan Rosen, “Bird-watchers look at birds; birders look FOR them.”

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