Birdwatching, particularly backyard birdwatching, has become a very popular hobby in the United States and Canada. The National Survey on Recreation and the Environment was first taken in 1982. Back then, about 28 million Americans engaged in birdwatching during the year. Nearly twenty years later in 2001, that number had grown to 71 million Americans.

In addition to a large number of Americans enjoying the hobby, American love to feed wild birds as well. In 2000, Americans spent 6 million dollars on wild bird food.

As for other purchases, Americans spent nearly 32 billion dollars on wildlife watching supplies - which includes wild bird houses, feeders, bird baths and other items.

This evidence shows just how popular wild bird watching is among Americans. To put it in perspective, 76 million people attended a baseball game in 2006 in the United States. Perhaps birdwatching will be the next "American Pastime".