Report: Bird-watching participation boosts U.S. economy

The report, which was taken in 2006 states that bird watchers spent $12 billion on trip-related expenditures and $23.7 billion on equipment. The report also details your average bird watcher, they are more than likely to be female and above 50 years old. Your typical birder is also more likely to be affluent, or at least have an above average income.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service maintains many "wildlife refuges" throughout the United States, though many are not open to the public the ones that offer an array of wildlife including rare birds. Even if you can't get out to one of these unique refuges you can still bird watch from the comfort of a local park, forest or even your yard.

For the full report follow this link:

http://library.fws.gov/Pubs/birding_natsurvey06.pdf