For a deep-dive into the study, including its methodology, you can read the publication at
https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/f...onal-Survey_101223-accessible-single-page.pdf .
An addendum specific to birding was published at
https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/f...-the-us-demographic-and-economic-analysis.pdf . They also provide a definition of "birder," viz.:
"Who is a birder? The Survey uses a conservative definition. To be counted as a birder, an individual must have either taken a trip one mile or more from home for the primary purpose of observing birds or closely observed or tried to identify birds around the home. Thus, people who happened to notice birds while they were mowing the lawn or picnicking at the beach were not counted as birders. Trips to zoos or observing captive birds did not qualify and were not tallied in the Survey."
Also note that not all birders are photographers. In fact, oftentimes when birding with a group I am the only one with a camera.
Now, back to R7MkII rumors.