Conservation Corner: July 15, 2002

On-Line Birding Checklist Now Available
by James L. Cummins

In the 1800s, birding seemed to be the interest of just a few. It was not until the early 1900s that birding groups were organized, many of them founded by like-minded birders. After World War II, binoculars became more available to the average person and interest in birding exploded. Further advancements in books and equipment for bird watching have led to an increase in the sport.

The number of people birding in 2001 increased 232 percent above the number involved in bird watching in 1983. Growth in bird watching is evident in a number of ways. For example, over 500,000 copies of The Sibley Guide to Birds have been purchased since the book was released two years ago. I have even purchased two - one for my mother and one for my father-in-law. This guide is one of the fastest?selling bird books ever and is very practical.

One recent national research study indicates that approximately 97 percent of people 16 years old or older participate in some form of outdoor recreation during the year. The research has shown that 33 percent of American citizens who are 16 years of age or older, participated in bird watching at least once in the past year.

Using a recent survey, encompassing the years 2000 and 2001, birding has a major impact on the economy. Birders spend money on transportation, hotels, restaurants, local guides, and souvenirs; and while this means the birders take memories home, it also means they leave behind income for local businesses.

The Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation is offering a free checklist of Birds Of Mississippi.

According to Leila Wynn, President of the Foundation "Several years ago, we began compiling information to put this extensive checklist together. This list will give birdwatchers a valuable source of information concerning birds which are common to this area, as well as a means to record sightings."
Wynn states that the list includes all species of birds which have been recorded in Mississippi.

"The list is arranged in the order established by the American Ornithologists' Union, and was designed to be informative and simple to use. Symbols which appear in the checklist will aid the observer in determining the location and time of year that a particular species is likely to be seen," continued Wynn.

Bird checklists are available at no charge and may be obtained on-line at www.wildlifemiss.org. They may be downloaded or printed for use in the field or in the backyard.

James L. Cummins is Executive Director of the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation in Stoneville, Mississippi. Known as "Wildlife Mississippi," the Foundation is a non-profit, conservation organization founded to conserve, restore and enhance fish, wildlife and plant resources throughout Mississippi.