New technology makes bird-watching more accessible, rewarding

At its core, bird-watching is a straightforward hobby. Grab a field guide, maybe some binoculars and head outdoors. It’s a laid-back endeavor that consumers have enjoyed for years.

But these days, bird aficionados often struggle to find time for their hobby. Many baby boomers, the prime demographic for this pastime, are coping with packed schedules and full-time jobs. When they do carve out precious time to spend outdoors they want to make the most of it.

That’s where technology comes into play. A growing number of bird-watchers are employing high-tech gadgets to help them attract and identify animals.

“More and more people, especially baby boomers, are much more computer literate than they were years ago,” said Peter Thayer, president of Thayer Birding Software, a company specializing in computerized field guides. “I’ve noticed a big increase in comfort levels in the last couple of years.”

Comfort levels

Bart Stephens, product manager for Wingscapes, a company offering weatherproof, outdoor cameras, has also noticed this phenomenon.

“What we’ve learned is today’s 60-year-olds are not like the ones decades ago,” he said. “They know how to e-mail. At seminars if you ask how many have digital cameras every one of them does.”

While consumers have embraced technology, retailers have been a harder sell. Many aren’t sure how to integrate such nontraditional products into their merchandise mix. Stephens said personal experience is the key to moving products off the shelves. He encourages retailers to try out products at home so they can offer genuine recommendations and advice.

In-store demonstrations also go a long way. A TV playing an overview DVD can help build curiosity. Stephens also urges clients to set up his company’s camera in the nursery yard near butterfly- and bird-attracting plants. Images captured can be printed and displayed in the store’s birding department alongside the camera.

For more: Wingscapes, (888) 811-9464; www.wingscapes.com. Thayer Birding Software, (800) 865-2473; www.thayerbirding.com.

More Americans take up bird-watching

Bird-watching is a hobby enjoyed by 47.6 million Americans -- an 8-percent increase from 2000 to 2006, according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

Bird-watching is on the rise while hunting and fishing are in decline. These hobbies saw a 4-percent (hunting) and 12-percent (fishing) decrease.

Check out these gadgets that make bird-watching easier for time-starved consumers:

BirdCam, Wingscapes

The BirdCam is an easy-to-use, weatherproof, motion-activated digital camera. It captures both high-resolution photos and short video clips.

For more: Wingscapes, (888) 811-9464; www.wingscapes.com.

Birding CDs, Thayer Birding Software

Thayer Birding Software titles offer comprehensive field guides and the ability to export songs and photos to iPods and other MP3 players. Windows and Macintosh versions are available.

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For more: Thayer Birding Software, (800) 865-2473; www.thayerbirding.com.

- Sarah Martinez

March 2008