Birdwatch

/ˈbɜːrdwɒtʃ/ verb

Definition

To observe and identify birds in their natural habitat, often as a hobby or scientific activity.

Etymology

Compound of 'bird' and 'watch' (from Old English 'wæcce'), formed in the 20th century as birdwatching became a popular recreational activity.

Kelly Says

Birdwatching transformed ornithology from a science only for professionals into a hobby for millions, creating citizen-science networks that have detected climate change impacts and population crashes faster than any official system could.

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