Birdwatching is one of the fastest growing hobbies in the United States, with over 50 million annual participants. It provides both economic and health benefits. Economically, birdwatchers spend billions on equipment, trips, lodging, food and transport, generating jobs. Health-wise, studies show that spending time in nature with birds can reduce stress, depression and anxiety, while improving focus, mood and immunity. Governments are making it easier by identifying birdwatching spots and providing infrastructure, while apps help new birders identify and track birds.

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Shank's Argo
Birding is One of the
Fastest-Growing
Hobbies in the United
States

2. Outdoor participation has increased significantly in the United States over the years. Hiking,
for example, grew to 44.9 million in 2017 from 32.6 million in 2009, according to Statista's
data.
However, one of the truly fastest-growing hobbies today is bird watching. Also known as
birding, at least 50 million Americans plan to participate in it annually.
Factors That Promote Birding
What motivates Americans to go birding? There are a lot of factors. For one, it contributes to
the local economy. According to an addendum in a National Survey in 2011, participants
spend around $40 billion on the hobby. The money usually goes to equipment and trips.
It also generates indirect financial benefits. A community, for example, can earn as much as
$15 billion. This is because birdwatchers also spend on lodging, food, and transport. It can
also generate jobs. In 2011 alone, at least 665,000 jobs became available.
Birdwatching also promotes better mental and physical well-being. A UK study showed that
those who lived in neighborhoods with an abundant vegetation and afternoon birds had
lower levels of stress, depression, and anxiety. Meanwhile, those who spent less time
outdoors than the previous week reported worse anxiety and depression.

3. Birdwatching also promotes better mental and physical well-being. A UK study showed that
those who lived in neighborhoods with an abundant vegetation and afternoon birds had
lower levels of stress, depression, and anxiety. Meanwhile, those who spent less time
outdoors than the previous week reported worse anxiety and depression.
Being in nature, in general, can help improve mental acuity or focus and attention. David
Strayer, a University of Utah cognitive psychologist, believes that natural surroundings can
help the prefrontal cortex of the brain to rest. A person may therefore feel, hear, and see
objects that they may have not noticed before.
The outdoors can also increase the intake of Vitamin D, which studies have shown to
improve immunity and mood. Furthermore, birdwatchers can exercise due to possible long
walks.
Birding is also becoming more convenient in different ways. Governments are already
identifying potential bird spots and providing the necessary infrastructure. Birders can drive
extreme all-terrain vehicles, such as a 6x6 Frontier or a 8x8 Avenger, from reputable
dealers to navigate difficult parts of the journey. New participants can also make use of their
smartphones and apps.

4. Resources:
https://www.shanksargo.com/
https://www.fws.gov/birds/bird-enthusiasts/bird-watching/valuing-birds.php
https://academic.oup.com/bioscience/article/67/2/147/2900179
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2016/01/call-to-wild/