[oldisnew45]

I am not fond of this term. I also see that it means different things to different people.
I believe this word only became popular in the last 10 yrs...can anyone enlighten me?
It seems to be a word popularized on the internet. Does anyone else remember a time before Birder?
im not trying to start a war. just want some insight
Thanks

[BirdingBC]

Here is my take:

I believe the difference is simply based on the purpose. The term bird-watcher tends to be more passive, as in people watching birds, and taking it all in for the whole experience and enjoyment. There is not a lot of chase or active seeking out species at a location and one spot is generally good as the next. Bird-watchers may or may not choose to chase rarity, and many rather prefer serendipitous or chance encounters. They may or may not count birds, but not that interested in keeping score. They will visit spots that are more productive (a busy hotspot is enjoyable to all), but may not drive out of their way to spots farther afield for a chance to see a single species.

Conversely, birder and birding refers to a person who is more actively seeking birds, either chasing after a rarity, doing a full eBird count (and getting all the numbers accurate), and generally interested in knowing all the birds at a given location. They may or may not stop to take it all in but generally are more interested in covering an area to make sure they did not miss anything.

Now there is no black and white difference, each of us fall into both camps to some degree and there are more dimensions to this but the crux is active birding vs passive bird watching. Birders typically spend a lot more time learning songs and calls of different species and subtleties of field marks, range, migration patterns, and anything else that may pay off in the field.

Cheers,


Lots

[oldisnew45]

that makes sense. I guess I am cynical.
that might be something I work to overcome in the present day
thanks for your answer!