Are you a Wild Bird Watcher or a Wild Birder?

How serious are you about watching my friends and me? Do you know if you’re considered a wild bird watcher or a wild birder? Do you know the difference?

Well, you’re a wild bird watcher if you keep a list to track what you see. You may use a journal, but it isn’t scientific. It is just your observations with your naked eye. You enjoy watching birds like me, and you do it as a hobby.

On the other hand, you know you’re a wild birder if you’re really serious and passionate about watching us. You don’t just do it as a hobby; you do it as a scientific study. You compare what you’ve seen with research done by scientists. You live and breathe birds like me. And you’re willing to spend the money on some serious equipment and tools to get a good look. You meticulously document everything about us.

So, which are you? A casual “wild bird watcher” or a more serious “wild birder”?