birdwatchingn.
/ˈbəːdˌwɒtʃɪŋ/, U.S. /ˈbərdˌwɑtʃɪŋ/, /ˈbərdˌwɔtʃɪŋ/ rare before 20th cent.
The activity or practice of observing wild birds in their natural habitats, esp. as a pastime or hobby.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > zoology > study of specific types of animal > [noun] > birds > bird-watching
birdwatching1846
bird-spotting1926
1846 N. Devon Jrnl. 19 Mar. It appears that the little fellow was employed in ‘bird-watching’ in a field adjoining the sea.
1894 St. Joseph (Missouri) Daily Herald 3 Oct. 2/2 The three months till the 1st of August are spent in the pursuit most dear to her heart, bird watching.
1930 J. Huxley Bird-watching & Bird Behaviour iii. 52 Accompanying Mr. Eliot Howard..on his bird-watching rounds.
1988 P. Wayburn Adventuring in Alaska (rev. ed.) iii. 198 Many birds use this open water, which makes it a fine place for hibernal bird-watching.
2009 J. Mynott Birdscapes iv. 95 Birdwatching is very much an all-the-year-round outdoor interest.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2021).
birdwatchingadj.
/ˈbəːdˌwɒtʃɪŋ/, U.S. /ˈbərdˌwɑtʃɪŋ/, /ˈbərdˌwɔtʃɪŋ/ Engaged in observing wild birds in their natural habitat; that birdwatches.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > hobby > spotting trains, watching birds, etc. > [adjective]
birdwatching1965
1965 E. Spence Year of Carruwong iv. 48 His own sister appeared to be siding with this skinny bird-watching boy who had never heard of Richard the Third.
1970 Logan (Ohio) Daily News 22 Jan. 9/2 A Carolina wren flicked her tail in derision at bird-watching people.
2009 West Briton (Nexis) 19 Nov. 25 We stumbled upon a birdwatching gentleman..on the footpath.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2021).
<
n.1846adj.1965