Birding takes flight as calming pandemic hobby

Roadrunner, Endee, New Mexico (Sixgun Siding)

(Austin American Statesman) ... Although the recent coronavirus pandemic has curtailed group birding excursions, interest in the activity has grown.
 “Business almost doubled, if not tripled,” Wild Birds Unlimited Manager Kyle Johnson said. The 25-year-old shop closed March 17 because of a state mandate and moved to orders being filled curbside or online.
However, Johnson said patronage never dipped; instead the business has had a surge of new customers, including a younger demographic and birders from out of the area. He credits the increase to more people staying at home now, enjoying their backyards and the nature that lies within. Continued