I’ve just read an article about the worldwide rise in popularity of birdwatching.
Apparently the boom dates back to the lockdowns of the COVID era, when we all had more time on our hands to observe nature, as well as baking sourdough and watching Netflix. The article mentioned Birds New Zealand, the more popular but less impressive name for The Ornithological Society of New Zealand Inc. There is also an Māori name, and a nifty non traditional logo.
Inspired, I had a look at the website, and various membership options. When signing up, they ask for the usual contact information – name, address, email, etc – and also gender – why? – but also, more chillingly, year of birth. This is used to calculate the price of a lifetime membership. I suppose they are scientists but this seems horribly hard nosed and actuarial to me. Why not ask about smoking history and BMI while they’re at it? In spite of my misgivings, I’ve signed up anyway. Not only am I doing a good deed for nature, but I also get a free book(let) on seabirds.
