ThirstyFish

Until the emergence of optics and field identification guides in early 20th Century, identifying birds involved shooting them. Interest in birdwatching began with the 1820's publication of the illustrated book The Birds of America by the ornithologist, naturalist, and painter, John James Audubon. By the mid 20th Century, birding had become a popular pastime. In the last few decades, with declining costs of air-travel, it has also become a significant tourism activity.

Although photography has always been a part of birding, with the advent of digital photography it has become more widespread. These days birds are shot with cameras and not guns.