The "Birder" vs The "Birdwatcher"

The "Birder" vs the "Birdwatcher"...

So what's the difference between the "Birder" and a "Birdwatcher"?

That's a question many may ask, which is very understandable.

Alright let's get to the point! So whenever I first started birding, I was really confused if I was a "Birder" or "Birdwatcher". I struggled with that thought for quite awhile, which for some reason bothered me. Honestly the difference is quite big, between the two. I'll go ahead and leave a summary down below to help define "Birder" vs "Birdwatcher".

The "Birdwatcher" summary:

As the sun was rising, Phil looked out the window, and felt the warmth from the sun beaming in the small window. He went to make his normal average cup of coffee for the morning. He thought to himself, maybe I should go sit on the porch as the morning sun rises over the mountains in the background. Finally his cup of coffee was done brewing. He took his pair of old Celestron binoculars, and cup of coffee with him to sit on the porch. He brought the old binoculars to watch the few birds that visited the feeder. He literally put no effort into finding any other birds, besides the few that visited the feeder.

My point is that "Birdwatchers" don't really put much effort into finding new species. All they usually do is watch the cute little birds around the house. Unlike the "Birder" who puts as much effort into finding new species.

The "Birder" summary:

Right before the sun arose, Henry heard his alarm clock going off at 6:00 AM. He rushed out of bed, started the coffee pot and gathered all of his optics, such as his binoculars, spotting scope, photography gear, and recording gear. Wow! That's a lot to rush around and do right as you awake from a peaceful night's rest. He had all of his gear, including his average cup of coffee. He hopped in his old Ford truck, and rushed the the nearest birding outlet. Finally after a third minute drive, he had arrived to his designated destination. He out of his truck, then grabbed all his birding gear. He walked quietly into the forest. At once he heard the display call of the American Woodcock, he quietly walked to the call. There it be, the American Woodcock doing display calls over the nearby wetlands, attract the female Woodcock. Henry especially love to paying attention to bird behavior. So he was very intrigued by the behavior of this American Woodcock. Overall Henry finished his birding morning with as many possible species as he could add to his list. Henry put all of his effort into finding as many possible species in the amount of time he birded. Henry ended the morning with a total of 35 species on his eBird list.

My point here is that a real "Birder" puts all his or her effort into finding as many species as possible, and adding as many rare or new species to his or her list. The "Birder" is always paying attention to bird behavior. Overall the "Birder" is a real bird enthusiast.

I really hope that helps define the difference between a "Birder" and a "Birdwatcher".

Let me know in the comments down below 👇 if you would define yourself as a "Birder" or "Birdwatcher". I really look forward to hearing your reply in the comments down below 👇.

Thanks so much for taking your time to read this post!

Caleb-The Birder's Way