Birdwatching: Not just for geeks

When I was young there were a number of things that I imagined I would be in my adult years: a rock star, a reclusive bestselling author, Prime Minister, a vampire, Madonna... pretty much the standard list. What I never expected was that one day I would become a birdwatcher. Yes, I confess it. I am a birdwatcher. 

I blame my husband entirely for my new found passion for our winged friends. I am new to the world of birds and more likely to spot than name a species (I have been known to invent my own names in a failed effort to appear expert) but I am hooked. 

Birdwatching doesn’t get you a lot of cool points. They sequester themselves away for hours on end in smelly hides with their equipment for the short-lived thrill of a little brown bird who may or may not emerge from the reeds of a river bed. The stereotype tells us that they are socially inept, solitary, obsessive and let’s face it, a bit geeky. When I tell people that I am a birdwatcher they blink at me with a mild disbelief (or amusement, I can never tell). I am not your typical birdwatcher. I really don't like getting muddy and I will put on a face of makeup to go on a country trek. But I think birdwatching is something that everyone should have a go at. I think birdwatching is cool and here’s why: 

Nature is bloody brilliant. 

I’ve always had an interest in nature but until I started watching birds I never really appreciated the turn of the seasons, the creaking past of another year. Birds are our constant companions and some of them even seem to like us. Other animals tend to shy away from humans but birds are always around us, in our gardens, on our streets and in our cities. They are the gateway to the rest of the natural world for me. 

A male Chaffinch in Oxford City Centre, taken by me

Birdsong. 

Possibly the most beautiful sound in the world (aside from the popping of a wine cork or your boss telling you to take the rest of the day off) is birdsong. Living in a city, it’s easy to miss it but just stop for a while and listen. I guarantee that sixty seconds of the morning chorus on your way to the bus stop will lighten your day more than any amount of coffee. However, it’s when you’re out in the fields, the woods, the great beyond that this sound reaches its full power. To stand amongst a throng of singing birds makes your heart sing. 

A Robin at the WWT Centre in London, taken by me

Bird names. 

Chiffchaff. Golden Oriole. Brambling. Corncrake. Temminck’s Stint. Coot. Bluethroat. Even Tolkein would struggle to come up with names as good as these. Brilliant. 

A Moorhen at the WWT Centre in London, taken by me

Cuteness. 

Most hardcore birders would sneer at my next reason but birds are so bloody cute! I have spent hours in my garden chatting to my resident Robin from my bench. He is adorable. Also, Spring and early Summer, as well as being perhaps the most glorious time of year for wildflife is the prime time for bird-cuteness as the young start to fledge. Who wouldn’t spend a few hours in the outdoors for a glimpse of this little guy... 

A baby Blue Tit, stolen from the internet (I'm not that good!)

Quiet and calm. 

One of the reasons I fell in love with birdwatching was the sense of complete calm that comes over me when I am settled into a hide, binoculars to my face, just patiently scanning the beautiful vista in front of me. Equally, there is a certain grounding to be found in striding over the countryside understanding that whatever is happening in you life, nature is chugging along and a thousand other creatures are also working for their survival around you. 

The thrill of discovery. 

One of the reasons people cite an antipathy towards giving birdwatching a try is that they think it will be boring. True, there is a lot of stillness, waiting and anticipating in birding. Nature does not always perform for us. I have been on many an excursion where the lack of action has been quite disappointing. But when you spot something great, something new, something beautiful or even, if you are lucky, something rare, it really is thrilling. For a second you feel totally privileged that this tiny creature has allowed you, a mere human a glimpse into its private life, a look at something wonderful. It’s a great feeling. 

Yes, birdwatching is cool. And you don’t need to invest in an expensive piece of kit to indulge. Get your trainers on and head to your local park or woodland. Listen, look and enjoy. If you like it, try out one of the many birdwatching centres around the UK. 


We visited the The London Wetland Centre today, one of our favourite spots. 

Here you can rent binoculars and wander around one of the most strikingly beautiful man-made wetlands viewing a wide  range of species all within the Heathrow flightpath and in view of the tower blocks of Hammersmith. Utterly brilliant.


Or if you don't fancy the great outdoors, simply hang some sunflower hearts or a suet treat in your back garden, or even outside your flat window and I guarantee you will have visitors that you will soon be in love with.


Incidentally, today we saw Lesser Redpolls, a Jack Snipe, Widgeons and a male and female Stone Chat. So there.