What is the difference between a
birder and a
bird watcher? Both carry
birding binoculars and both may even use a
spotting scope or add a
digital camera to their spotting scope and do some
digiscoping. Okay, there is no official definition to distinguish between these two, but, in general, a "birder" actively seeks to
identify birds, typically keeps lists of birds seen and identified and will usually travel beyond their local neighborhood to see and identify birds. Some birders, in fact will travel worldwide in order to see and identify new birds. In a very general sense, birders tend to be more focused on the technical and scientific aspects of birds and bird life. A "bird watcher" is a more general term and includes anyone who enjoys watching birds, be it from their kitchen window, or while visiting the lake, beach, park and so on. When we think of the term
birdwatcher, then, we tend to think of the aesthetic aspects of birds - enjoying birds simply for their natural beauty and wildness. In truth, all birders are bird watchers and all bird watchers are birders, at least to some extent. I certainly am a healthy dose of each. Like most passionate birders, I keep many bird lists and get a thrill every time I see a rare bird, but like any bird watcher, I'll still take the time to admire a cardinal in my binocular, even after forty years and many, many thousands of cardinals. Seeing a cardinal never fails to make me smile. In other words, when it comes to enjoying birds, there is room for everyone and no need to split hairs over terms. The only requirement is an interest in birds.