Birdwatching is the No . 1 sport in the United States . Surprised ? It gets better .
It is more popular than golf and brings in more money , explained Wendy Perrone , who serves as director of Three Rivers Avian Center near Hinton .
There are nearly 52 million birders in the United States , according to the U . S . Fish and Wildlife Service , with the numbers continuing to climb .
Each year , those millions of birdwatchers spend approximately $ 41 billion – that ’ s with a B – on related equipment and trips , contributing to local communities across the country , according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration .
The hobby appeals to all age groups and can be enjoyed by people with physical challenges .
Studies indicate birdwatching also improves health by reducing stress hormones and lowering blood pressure . The hobby also motivates people to get outside – which improves overall health through exercise and socialization .
“ Birding is relaxing – unless you have to climb a mountain ,” joked Rodney Davis , of Sinks Grove . A retired heavy equipment operator , Davis began birdwatching in the 1980s and is now an avid birder .
“ We love getting people interested ,” Perrone said .
With a single bird feeder , novice birdwatchers can entice cardinals , titmouses , wrens and chickadees among several other species to their back yards .
While watching the birds , it becomes evident that the cardinals and most other birds prefer sunflower seeds and the wrens go for the suet , Perrone noted , thus the birdwatcher is learning about the local species .
For beginning birdwatchers , Perrone suggests buying black sunflower seeds because it has universal appeal . Always buy birdseed in a see-through bag , she suggested . If it appears dusty or has seeds in clumps ( an indication the seed is old ), don ’ t buy it .
The seed will have lost it ’ s nutritional value and the birds will just throw it on the ground , she explained .
Perrone also advises putting out suet for birds all year , not just in the winter , but suggests removing it at dark to prevent unwanted back yard visitors , such as raccoons , opossums or bears , among other
“ Birding is relaxing – unless you have to climb a mountain .”
Rodney Davis is a volunteer with Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory in Monroe Co .
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