Birding economics

If you're thinking of encouraging local officials to adopt bird-friendly development guidelines and citing birders' disposable income, look here for the economic impact of birders on the Grand Canyon State's economy.

More than 350,000 people come to Arizona every year to spot birds. They bring in an estimated $1 billion, making bird-watching Arizona's most lucrative tourist activity, according to Joe Yarkin, watchable-wildlife manager for the Arizona Department of Game and Fish.

"Economically, it ranks above golf and the other big boys of tourism," Yarkin said.

We have clout. We need to make more decision-makers aware of that fact.