Birders are the primary user-group of neotropical migratory
birds. In the United States, birders number in the tens of millions and spend
upwards of $20 billion dollars per year on bird seed, travel, and birding
paraphernalia. Average yearly spending by active birders averages between
$1,500 and $3,400, with travel being the major expenditure. Research needs
include studies of birder demographics and birding economics at the national
and state levels, as well as at specific birding sites. In addition, we must
learn more about birder knowledge of how wildlife programs are funded and
their attitudes toward new means of funding such programs. The meager
information available on these topics is reviewed. With funding for nongame
wildlife programs floundering, the need for new funding sources is acute.
As the primary user-group of neotropical migrant birds, birders represent a
large, dependable source of revenue for nongame programs just as hunters
and fishermen have funded game programs. Read More