PhD study of birding couples

Good morning all

I have just submitted my PhD and thought that some on Birding Aus might be interested in my findings. I researched American couples who travel internationally with birdwatching being part or all of the reason for their travel. Couples may constitute a large sector of the wildlife/ecotourism market (over half according to some papers). However, there is limited research – my study appears to be the first.

I found there were differences in the way that male and female participants watched birds, for example in listing behaviour. More male participants listed and as well had longer lists. From memory I think that all those with bird lists from 6,000 upwards (the longest list was over 8000), were male.

Fewer participants belonged to the American Birding Association than the Audubon Society or chapters, and most preferred to travel independently of organised tours. One explanation for both these findings might be that female participants in particular were less interested in activities or trips that focused solely on birding, particularly where it was intensive. And because most participants (particularly men) reported that they preferred to watch birds with their spouse they might eschew such activities and trips in favour of those that they both enjoy. One activity that some couples really enjoyed was the keeping of a joint bird list; they reported that a bird that only one had recorded was a ‘half-bird’, until both had seen it.

More female participants were motivated to watch birds by a wish to feel a connection to nature (although most male participants prioritised this motivation as well). They also wanted some different qualities in a guide. For example more female participants than male were interested in a guide with scientific knowledge, who related to wildlife, had knowledge of other fauna, and who shared their knowledge.

While I didn’t ask questions about sexism, female participants reported behaviour they considered inappropriate or discriminatory by either guides or other birders in a group. Yet these complainants also expressed concern that their criticisms might reach the ears of those they complained about.

Overall this study found that a committed relationship is more central to lifestyle than birding and therefore had the potential to alter couples’ leisure and travel behaviour. It also demonstrates that a committed relationship can be an arena where different modes of knowledge connect.

Denise Lawungkurr Goodfellow
PO Box 71
Darwin River, NT, Australia 0841
043 8650 835

PhD candidate, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW.

Founding Member: Ecotourism Australia
Nominated by Earthfoot for Condé Nast’s International Ecotourism Award, 2004.

With every introduction of a plant or animal that goes feral this continent becomes a little less unique, a little less Australian.