Like in any other field, in Birdwatching you will realise that there are also new words, vocabulary and sometimes even almost like a different dialogue. Among many, “birder” and “birdwatcher” are the far most used and known. Yet, there is another one that is becoming rather common nowadays, which is “twitcher”.
The term “twitching” is British and it essentially means the pursuit of a rare bird previously located in a specific area. For the same definition, in North America, the common term is “chasing”.
So, a “twitcher” is a person with a more active approach to birdwatching, wasting no time and seeking specific bird species. As opposed to the “birder” who is typically a passive bird observer that enjoys their time and is satisfied with whatever species comes.
Twitching is, therefore, a more enthusiastic kind of birdwatching that naturally tends to bigger excitement. And in some cultures, like Ireland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Sweden it is common to engage in competitions to accumulate the longest species list.
Those lists can go from a life list to a country or provincial list. There is no limit, really. And any twitcher will most likely have a list for different regions and countries. Two good examples of platforms where twitchers keep their lists are Netfugl and Bubo. Well, and the eBird platform can serve the same purpose.
An annual gathering of twitchers in Corvo Island, Azores, chasing American species on migration south.
Nevertheless, twitching has a controversial side. The excitement for getting new bird species and fulfilling endeavours can easily go out of control. Missing or quitting work, increasing expenses mostly related to travelling, and sacrificing time with family are just some of the most common consequences of uncontrolled twitching.
Another dark side of twitching is breaking limits and, consciously or unconsciously, harming birds, wildlife and ecosystems. A good example of this is whenever a rare bird is seen in a particular area and a large group of people is travelling there at the same time to try to see that species. This can be overwhelming not only for that species itself but for all the other wildlife in that place.
The last polemic perspective from twitching is how it can lead to over-obsession to increasing lists, affecting relationships, putting lives at risk or even breaking laws to get a species at any coast.
Group of twitchers and birders at a Birdwatching Festival in Sagres.
Yet, not everything is bad about this way of birdwatching. The adhesive side of twitching might be unknown when we are starting but, whether it is or not, it is important to establish priorities and limits from the very begging of a birdwatching career. It is vital to always consider birdwatching as just a sport or hobby that should never overtake family and professional careers.
From a nature and wildlife conservation point of view, limiting the use of photography and birdcalls, opting for more sustainable travelling, supporting a wildlife conservation project or bird monitoring project or contributing to some of them through citizen-science, are great ways to a less negative or even positive environmental impact in the habitats and species we so much want and enjoy to see. In the medium-long term, everyone will benefit from this kind of approach.
From a nature and wildlife conservation point of view, limiting the use of photography and birdcalls, opting for more sustainable travelling, supporting a wildlife conservation project or bird monitoring project or contributing to some of them through citizen-science, are great ways to a less negative or even positive environmental impact in the habitats and species we so much want and enjoy to see. In the medium-long term, everyone will benefit from this kind of approach.