Bird Watching vs Birding vs Twitching
Photos by Jaymi Heimbuch
Read Time: 5 minutes
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I think it’s safe to say we’re all sort of ‘bird watchers,’ but what makes someone, like, a bird watcher bird watcher?
Well, bird watching, as a general sort of term, is made up of bird lovers beginning with casual observers (called ‘bird watchers’) to serious birders (referred to as ‘birders’) and twitchers (serious, no holds barred-types who chase rare birds to add to their life lists).
The wonderful world of bird watching is as diverse as the wild birds that inhabit our wild planet. From casual backyard birdwatchers to serious birding enthusiasts to globe-trotting twitchers, this hobby covers the gamut of bird lovers.
Are you a birdwatcher, a birder, or a twitcher? Buckle up, we’re about to find out!
Great great blue heron (Ardea herodias)
Birdwatching
Birding and bird watching, while often used interchangeably, actually represent two different levels of engagement.
Birdwatching, or the act of observing birds in their natural habitat, is the gateway to all things avian.
It’s about enjoying nature, often with the naked eye or a pair of binoculars, and appreciating the birds around you.
Most birdwatchers relish the peaceful practice of heading off on a bird walk, spotting a flock, and enjoying their day-to-day antics.
Of course, seeing other birds besides local common species is a thrill, but it’s not necessarily something you’ll plan weekends around.
Think of bird watchers as fairly dedicated joggers who really just enjoy getting out into the fresh air. They don’t need all the gear watch birds; just a keen interest and some time to spare.
Western gulls (Larus occidentalis)
Birding
Birders, on the other hand, are like the committed gym go-ers of bird watching, getting in their four to five days a week in the weight room or on the treadmill, protein shake in-hand and sweat towel over their shoulder. Birding, for them, is considered a sport that requires skill development.
The term “birder” applies to those who take their bird interest to scholarly heights, equipped with spotting scopes and sound recordings, chasing after both common and rare birds… really, just, ALL the birds… to fill their life list. Birders possess advanced skills in bird identification and tend to frequent local hotspots for birding.
It’s not just about watching birds; it’s about understanding their habits, calls, and roles in our ecosystems.
Mobile devices in hand, birders often will view birds then record their findings or share them on platforms like eBird, and frequent the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s tools for identifying new bird species. Their commitment often helps in bird conservation efforts, contributing to natural history and ornithology.
If birdwatching is the spark, birding is the blaze. And twitching – well grab your fireproof jacket for this one…
Twitching
Ah, twitching—birding’s adrenaline sport! Twitchers are those high-octane birders who will hear about a rare bird sighting on the far side of their county (or another continent!) and drop everything to see it.
It’s intense, with large numbers of twitchers often descending on a great place like private property or remote habitats, scopes and field guides ready.
The thrill?
Adding that rare bird to their life list, often capturing only a blurry photo, but a clear memory of the adventure. Or, ticking off as many species as they can in a year to see if they can beat last year’s record.
For twitchers, the joy lies in the pursuit – waiting for hours, sometimes in frustrating weather conditions, all for the chance of spotting those elusive rare birds. It’s a passion and dedication on another level.
Common yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas)
Which one are you?
At this point, you know where you are on the bird-obsession spectrum. And, you might have an idea on the path you’re on as well.
Whether you choose to relax in your backyard or race to the next big find, birding in any form is about celebrating the fascinating creatures that share our world.
It’s a hobby that can start with a simple interest and grow into a passion that takes you to the corners of the earth—or just to the trees in your local park.
Either way, it’s a win.
