Blokes and birds .... and ladies!

[rlchew]

I have been a keen birdwatcher for around 40 years (am I really that old? .... .... ) During that period there is no question that birdwatching has become more popular for many and varied reasons.

However, maybe it is just my imagination but it still seems to be an interest or hobby that is dominated by us blokes.

Wherever I travel locally or around the UK, there appears to be very few of you ladies donned in the outdoor clothing carrying binoculars and telescopes.

Is it my imagination? .... or is it true? .... why should birdwatching be a male orientated interest or hobby?

Blokes .... do you spot birds and ladies whilst you are out and about?

Ladies .... what do you think? .... are you less interested and, if so, why do you think that is?

I am not trying to start a gender war here or a sexist debate but I am genuinely interested why if I visit my local patch tomorrow there is more chance of seeing a Snowy Owl than a female birdwatcher!

Richard

[Wild-Woman]

I think that a lot of this is a 'feeling safe on your own' thing that may have prevented or discouraged ladies to join the ranks of birding community.
I do go out on reserves on my own but am accutely aware of vulnerability. I have my phone, always let the office know where I am and roughly when I'll be back etc etc.

I'm a tall strong woman but faced with a gaggle of lads,you can't help but feel a bit nervous.
I prefer going out in a group-mixed sexes, safety in numbers.

That's my thoughts behind it but I'm sure there are lots of others.

Jules

[John]

I must admit that I do see a few women on twitches lately, but nothing like the male numbers. Lately I have seen two women twitchers at the last two areas I have twitched. North Yorks, where I saw the Pacific Diver ,then I ran into them again at two sites in Cornwall on 3rd May.

It definitely is a male dominated hobby and I doubt if there will ever be that many women taking it up.

Ordinary birdwatching is a different matter as I see plenty of women doing it. The difference is the gentler pace that just birdwatching is as opposed to twitching, and therein lies the difference.

John

[dinger]

hmmm....had a ponder on this and my thoughts are....
for me personally i'd love to get out there and watch not only our native birds but wildlife in general however i have 2 hang ups
1) confidence
2) personnal safety

Sad but true for me unfortunately...i do find the idea fascinating and did spend many happy hours sat on Hadrians Wall watching birds whilest on holiday in Northumberland.

Maybe i should have a look for a group to go out with

[Paul mabbott]

I don't think it's true entirely. Depends on your definition of "bird watching". If you're talking about twitching then I would expect few women: it's a list-ticking competition for men with cars. If you're talking about photography then, again, you won't get many women going around talking techno and showing off their extensions. However, when it comes to real detailed observations, scientific counting (i.e. useful, scientific bird-watching, ornithology even, then you will find plenty of women involved and doing very good work.

Originally Posted by rlchew

I have been a keen birdwatcher for around 40 years (am I really that old? .... .... ) During that period there is no question that birdwatching has become more popular for many and varied reasons.

However, maybe it is just my imagination but it still seems to be an interest or hobby that is dominated by us blokes.

Wherever I travel locally or around the UK, there appears to be very few of you ladies donned in the outdoor clothing carrying binoculars and telescopes.

Is it my imagination? .... or is it true? .... why should birdwatching be a male orientated interest or hobby?

Blokes .... do you spot birds and ladies whilst you are out and about?

Ladies .... what do you think? .... are you less interested and, if so, why do you think that is?

I am not trying to start a gender war here or a sexist debate but I am genuinely interested why if I visit my local patch tomorrow there is more chance of seeing a Snowy Owl than a female birdwatcher!

Richard

[solus]

Well, I'm female and would definitely call myself a twitcher - but my husband chauffeurs me around, within the usual limitations of time and money, so we appear as a pair at twitches. I'm the one with the 'scope and the listing habit, though, not him! I am happy to bird alone when on Scilly, on (most) Scottish islands and within such reserves as Slimbridge, but would be nervous birding on my own in most other places. Having said that, I would feel safe in the midst of a big twitch!

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by Paul mabbott

I don't think it's true entirely. Depends on your definition of "bird watching". If you're talking about twitching then I would expect few women: it's a list-ticking competition for men with cars. If you're talking about photography then, again, you won't get many women going around talking techno and showing off their extensions. However, when it comes to real detailed observations, scientific counting (i.e. useful, scientific bird-watching, ornithology even, then you will find plenty of women involved and doing very good work.

nothing like keeping it reasonable and not disrespecting other peoples hobbies is there

mind you there is something in it as regards why you get more men twitching - collecting stuff whether it is stamps, models , trainspotting , beetles , or bird ticks is a very male trait

[buzfuz8149]

I think the answer does lie in the safety aspect, we walk as a small group most days and we all enjoy bird watching, there are usually 3 women and 2 men, plus we enjoy the company

If I am on my own I rarely stray from the main paths, when I was younger it never bothered me, I went anywhere -

Carol.

[brainfarmer]

yes the 'listing collecting' thing does seem a very male dominated area. im a bit scared to really get into a debate about why that is as its very easy to upset people albeit unintentionally.

[Paul mabbott]

Originally Posted by eeyore

nothing like keeping it reasonable and not disrespecting other peoples hobbies is there

mind you there is something in it as regards why you get more men twitching - collecting stuff whether it is stamps, models , trainspotting , beetles , or bird ticks is a very male trait

What have I said now? Is there anything I can say that is not going to cause offence to you? Incidentally, I have nothing against 'collecting' as long as it is for a purpose, towards constructive ends ... I'm certainly not a collector of insects and I don't make lists for their own sakes ... sorry to disabuse you ...

If I need to clarify my original comment: I would suggest that women (and we're generalising) are less likely to be attracted to those sorts of activities which appeal to *some* men. That's all .....