Birding, also known as birdwatching, is the observation of birds in their natural habitat as a hobby or as a form of citizen science. Birders may observe birds using their naked eye or visual enhancement devices like binoculars or telescopes. Birding is a low-cost hobby that can be done anywhere, anytime, and it is a gateway to recognizing and appreciating the natural world around us. Birding can be a social activity, and birders can join clubs or attend programs to meet other people and look for birds together, pooling knowledge and providing more pairs of eyes and ears. Birding can also be a solitary activity, and birders can enjoy the challenge of bird study, listing, or other general activities involving bird life. Birding is more than just a hobby; it is a huge part of who we are culturally, and it contributes significantly to our economy as well.