Gender-based motivations of non-residential birdwatchers in New York state: a qualitative study

Abstract

Birdwatching is the fastest growing outdoor recreation activity in the United States, and birdwatchers are an important economic development force in many rural communities. Wildlife management agencies are being challenged to develop products and programs for non-consumptive natural resource users such as birdwatchers. For effective planning and management of these programs, it is important to understand the characteristics and motivations of birdwatchers. The purpose of this study is to explore, through qualitative research methods, the motivations of male and female non-residential birdwatchers. Sixty birdwatchers (i.e., 30 males and 30 females) were interviewed by phone using an interview guide. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed. Results indicate that motivations of non-residential birdwatchers can be grouped into five categories (i.e., emotional, intellectual, physical, social, and spiritual). Emotional motivations were the most commonly indicated concepts. Analysis of the qualitative data also revealed similarities and differences in motivations between male and female birdwatchers. Results of this qualitative study will aid in the development of a birdwatcher participation survey that will be used for a quantitative investigation on motivations of birdwatchers.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the 2006 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium

Citation

Sali, Mary Joyce G.; Kuehn, Diane M. 2007. Gender-based motivations of non-residential birdwatchers in New York state: a qualitative study. In: Burns, R.; Robinson, K., comps. Proceedings of the 2006 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium; 2006 April 9-11; Bolton Landing, NY. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-14. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 318-325.