| Understanding the motivations for participation in non-residential birdwatching can help wildlife managers implement recreation programs for avid birdwatchers. This study used a mixed-method research design (i.e., sequential exploratory design) comprised of three phases: qualitative data collection and analysis (phase 1), quantitative data collection and analysis (phase 2), and a focus group session (phase 3). Face-to-face preliminary interviews with four birdwatchers and telephone interviews with 60 (i.e., 30 males and 30 females) birdwatchers indicated that motivations of male and female non-residential birdwatchers could be grouped into five subthemes (i.e., resource appreciation, intellectual, social, physical, and spiritual). The results of the qualitative (phase 1) portion of this study and a short survey were used to develop a birdwatching participation questionnaire. A mail survey of 1,000 individuals (500 males and 500 females) who were members of birdwatching organizations in New York State was conducted in 2006. Analyses of the survey data revealed similarities and differences between males and females in birdwatching initiation, participation rates, motivations, and characteristics of birdwatching activity. Negative binomial regression analyses identified the relationship between motivations and demographic variables (independent variables) and participation (dependent variable) for males and females. Results indicate a highly significant positive relationship between intellectual motivation and participation for both genders. Differences in other independent variables related to participation for both genders were also identified. A highly significant negative relationship between resource appreciation and spiritual motivations and participation was found for females, but not for males. No significant relationship was found between social motivation and participation for both genders. Also, educational level had a significant relationship with participation for males, while age group, marital status, and area of residence had a significant relationship with participation for females. Strategies to enhance birdwatching opportunities and experiences among males and females were developed through a focus group session of individuals who belonged to a birdwatching organization. |
