Birding

Birding, or birdwatching, is the observing of birds, often as a recreational activity or as part of citizen science. Birdwatchers may observe by using the naked eye, but often employ the use of tools such as binoculars or telescopes, or by listening for bird calls. Most birdwatchers pursue this activity for recreational or social reasons, unlike ornithologists, who engage in the study of birds using formal scientific methods.

Many regional birding communities have developed ways to quickly spread news of bird sightings, through text messages, social media, or emailing lists.