Birding blogs as indicators of birdwatcher characteristics and trip preferences: Implications for birding destination planning and development

Birdwatching has evolved into one of the most popular nature-based recreational activities and a significant niche tourism sector, yet literature on birding destination development has been limited. Through a four phase, mixed-methods approach, coupling thematic content analysis, word frequencies and applying the recreational specialisation framework, 200 birding blogs were analysed from five English speaking countries (UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand) to determine birdwatcher characteristics and trip preferences. The study identified seven birder sub-populations, including previously overlooked segments, such as family and couple birdwatchers. The results also illustrate that birding is much more multi-dimensional than previously thought, requiring a strategic planning approach that incorporates all features required to make a birding destination a complete tourist experience. Four figures are provided that demonstrate the necessary components family, couples, friends and individual birdwatchers identify as the most important features of a birding destination.