Hotspots section popular with readers
More than half of survey takers have visited a Hotspot Near You
Published: October 16, 2012
When we launched "Hotspots Near You" in our October 2006 issue, our primary goal was to introduce you to birding locations that you might not otherwise have known about and to encourage you to visit. Lots and lots of you have done just that.
Eighty-one percent of respondents to a survey we conducted earlier this year said they read the section in every issue. Fifty-seven percent indicated that they had visited a location they first read about in "Hotspots Near You."
Most satisfying to us is that many readers have plans to visit more sites in the future. "I've got several stockpiled mentally for when I'll be in the areas," wrote Gerald McCormick of Milltown, New Jersey.
Two sites in Tucson, Arizona, were the most popular. Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, Hotspot Near You No. 34, was visited by 19 percent of survey takers. Nearby Sweetwater Wetlands, Hotspot Near You No. 79, ranked second, with 17 percent of visits. See a list of the most-visited sites at right.
The most popular parts of each one-page hotspot report are the bird list, the description of when to go, and the map and directions. More than 80 percent of survey takers said each was among the most valuable parts of "Hotspots Near You."
Thanks to everyone who took part in our survey! |