Hi Tweeters -

The perception of fewer birders may not be a false one. According to the
last U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service report (FWS-News) I received on the
subject, there ARE fewer birders (in the U.S. anyway), despite the fact
that we spent more money. (see quote below)

>Meanwhile, the number of bird watchers, wildlife photographers,
>and other nonconsumptive participants 16 years and older dropped
>17 percent during the 5-year period to 63 million from 76 million
>in 1991. Even so, their expenditures rose 39 percent to $29
>billion.

Cathi Pelletier
Waterbury, CT
Heronwing at juno.com
Long Live Operation Renegade!