Characterizing stakeholder perceptions of birdwatching benefits as a cultural ecosystem service: a comparative study of Atlantic and Pacific flyway estuaries

Introduction Recreational activities such as birdwatching, or “birding,” are among the most commonly studied cultural ecosystem services. However, the benefits these services provide, particularly within avian-estuarine habitats, remain mostly under characterized. We identify, distinguish, and compare stakeholder perceptions of cultural ecosystem service benefits associated with birdwatching across two major estuaries situated within US coastal flyways. Methods Drawing on a mixed-methods questionnaire administered to 31 birding stakeholders in Barnegat Bay, New Jersey (Atlantic Flyway) and San Francisco Bay, California (Pacific Flyway), we assess the distinct benefits across three categories: identities, capabilities, and experiences of birders, as well as associated service-benefit products like cultural goods. Results Experiential benefits, particularly those associated with rare or vagrant bird sightings, were the most prominent across both sites. Barnegat Bay was believed by informants to host a variety of birding-related events that overlap with greater themes of coastal culture and maritime heritage, whereas San Francisco Bay informants saw more insulated birding-specific cultural goods. Specialized birder identity was emphasized more strongly among San Francisco Bay informants than those in Barnegat Bay, and geographic identity tied to locally iconic species received little emphasis in either location. Informants at both sites also identified a notable knowledge gap between active birdwatchers and the general public, which we argue warrants attention from local wildlife and land managers. Discussion Taken together, our findings illuminate the reciprocal nature of cultural ecosystem services by demonstrating how identity, capability, and experience interact across distinct estuary contexts. These interactions offer actionable insights for managers seeking to develop more effective interpretive and outreach programming, tailored tourism offerings, and stronger conservation initiatives.