Birdwatching (also referred to as birding) is one of the most popular hobbies in the U.S., with over one-third of the adult population participating. According to the most-recent survey conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, there were 96 million birders (16 years and older) in the country in 2022. Awareness of the hobby has increased over the past decade, with the COVID-19 pandemic generating a significant boom of interest during lockdowns and quarantine periods at home. For many, birdwatching provides an opportunity to connect with nature, lower stress, and improve mental health. Additionally, new identification technologies have helped reduce knowledge barriers to the hobby, opening the activity to a younger and more diverse group of birders. While birdwatching is often thought of as a quiet pastime, this calm exterior belies the significant economic might that is also generated by the hobby. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, birders spent $107.6 billion on equipment and trip-related expenses nationally in 2022, supporting 1.4 million jobs, $90.2 billion in wages, and total output of $152 billion.
Despite its relatively small size, Maryland offers an abundant variety of birding opportunities. According to the Maryland Ornithological Society, the state offers some of the best east-coast birdwatching with 463 species documented. The state’s diverse habitats include prime birding locations such as areas around the Chesapeake Bay, coastal saltmarshes, forests, national wildlife refuges and preserves, and high-altitude locations in western Maryland. Birdwatching and conservation efforts are also complementary, with the hobby often encouraging individuals to engage with habitat preservation and restoration efforts. Further, the state is situated in the geographic center of the Atlantic Flyway, a major north-south migratory and breeding route. During the two major migration periods in the spring and fall, birders have the opportunity to observe species at stopover points during rest and feeding periods.
In the current report, Towson University’s Regional Economic Studies Institute (RESI) explored findings from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s 2022 national survey to conservatively estimate the economic impact of birding in Maryland. Specifically, RESI used “per birder” expenses combined with regional participation levels and population data to estimate activity within the state. To help prevent overestimation, RESI also eliminated average spending on large purchases (e.g., campers, recreation vehicles) and focused solely on purchases of other equipment and trip-related expenditures. Using IMPLAN input-output software, RESI used this estimated spending data for birders to quantify impacts on Maryland’s economy. The analysis was conducted using the 2024 model for the state of Maryland with results shown in 2026 dollars. Results from the analysis are detailed below in Figure 1.
Figure 1: Economic Impact of Birding in Maryland, 2024
| Impact Type | Direct | Indirect | Induced | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employment | 15,490 | 5,145 | 3,271 | 23,906 |
| Output | $2,360,223,607 | $1,115,101,603 | $656,259,510 | $4,131,584,720 |
| Employee Compensation | $501,580,969 | $295,869,958 | $189,673,827 | $987,124,754 |
As shown above, birding activities in the state generated a substantial economic impact in 2024, supporting an estimated 23,906 jobs, $987.1 million in wages, and over $4.1 billion in economic output. The economic activity generated also supported tax revenues at the state and local levels, presented in Figure 2 below.
Figure 2: Total Fiscal Impact of Birding in Maryland, 2024
| Tax Type | State Taxes | County Taxes | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property | $7,742,925 | $72,644,300 | $80,387,225 |
| Income | $21,807,426 | $15,863,185 | $37,670,611 |
| Sales | $90,903,425 | $4,472,301 | $95,375,726 |
| Payroll | $1,302,632 | $0 | $1,302,632 |
| Other | $30,466,518 | $6,503,067 | $36,969,584 |
| Total | $152,222,926 | $99,482,852 | $251,705,778 |
Annual birding activities are estimated to generate a combined $251.7 million in annual tax revenues across state and county levels. State taxes accounted for approximately $152.2 million of the total revenues, driven primarily by sales tax. County taxes contributed an additional $99.5 million, with property tax representing the largest share.
