Some readers—possibly relatives of our writers—suggested starting a series of interviews with them. Who are these writers, and why do they contribute to the site without pay and with no real benefits (I’m still waiting for groupies to show up when I’m out birding)? We thought they deserved a proper introduction, so we started this series to find out.
Your Birding History And Future
How long have you been a birder, and how did you get into birding?
I’ve been a birder since 2020. It all started during the COVID-19 lockdown while I was visiting my mom in Trinidad and Tobago. She’s always loved flowers; there’s never been a time when her garden wasn’t full of blooms. While staying there, I began noticing the hummingbirds that visited her flowers every day. Before long, I was hooked, even making homemade feeders from YouTube tutorials to bring them in closer. That’s really where it all began for me.
Has your attitude towards birding changed with time – for example, did it get intense, do you focus on different things now, etc.?
Yes, my attitude toward birding has definitely changed over time. I’ve become much more involved; I now try to do at least one birding trip outside my local area every month. And because I love photographing the birds I see, that’s become a big motivation for me to get out there as often as I can.
What are your plans for the next few years, as related to birding? For example, trips planned?
Most of my birding these days is in the Americas and the Caribbean, with a few trips to Europe sprinkled in. But my wife and I have big plans; we want to return to Africa, a continent where we lived and traveled for nearly ten years before birding became part of our lives. Now, we want to go back and see it through a birder’s eyes, with safaris high on the list. Asia is also calling, likely in the next year or two.
If you had to make a living off birding, what kind of activity would you try?
That’s a tough one! I’m retired now, and honestly, the thought of going back to work makes me cringe. I don’t think I know enough to be a guide, and running a lodge sounds like way too much work and commitment.
But recently, the owner of a private acreage gave me a tour of his property where he is setting up birding trails and viewing areas designed with photographers in mind. It’s not even fully operational yet, and there’s already a steady stream of visitors almost every day, even some of the big tour operators have started bringing their clients here. Sure, there’s some work involved, but much of it can be outsourced. Something like that might actually work for me, enough to stay involved without feeling like a full-time job.
Your Life As A Non-Birder
What do you do for work?
These days, I’m happily retired, going on a year and a half now. My working life spanned almost forty years in what we now call Information Technology (IT), though when I started, it was known simply as Electronic Data Processing(EDP). I began in the airline industry, where I spent seven years, and then devoted just over thirty-two years to the humanitarian field before calling it a day.
Is there any link between your work and birds/birding?
None.
What’s your favorite thing to do outside of birding?
Outside of birding, I really enjoy taking long walks along the seashore or in coastal areas, especially when I have my camera with me. There’s just something relaxing about the ocean breeze, the open views, and the chance to capture a few unexpected moments along the way.
How does your personal environment (e.g., partner, children, etc.) regard your interest in birds and birding?
I consider myself lucky. My wife has gone from cheering me on in my birding adventures to becoming an enthusiastic participant herself. These days, she’s a passionate bird photographer too, so it’s something we get to share together. Other members of my family have also developed an interest, though not as passionate as mine.
Birding General Info And Advice
What are some of your birding tips for beginners?
Patience, birding is never a hurried pastime. Slow down, take your time, and the rewards will come when you least expect them. It’s not about rushing to build life lists; it’s about pausing long enough to truly see and appreciate the many birds we are so fortunate to share this world with.
How important are apps for your birding?
Apps and even DIY tools have become a big part of my birding. I use the Merlin app all the time to identify birds from my photos and to get an idea of what’s nearby using sound ID when I am out in the field. It’s not perfect, but it gives me enough to research further if I need to. On top of that, I’ve been experimenting with BirdNET-Pi, which runs 24/7 at home on my balcony, constantly recording and identifying bird calls. Together, they give me a much clearer picture of the birdlife around me, even when I’m not outside with my camera or not even at home.
Do you have any favorite birding-related media (e.g., books, podcasts, websites, magazines, videos, etc.) you can recommend?
Are there any aspects of birding you would like to learn more about (e.g., bird families, birding destinations, people involved in birding)?
I would love to learn more about identifying birds by sound.
10,000 Birds
Why do you write for 10,000 Birds, other than for fame and glory?
To me, birding is something that, when shared with others, amplifies the satisfaction and increases the passion. 10000 birds is a vehicle that takes my experience around the world to other birders and non-birders, people who may not have been or who can’t afford to travel to destinations that I do my birding in. It also brings back memories for those who have experienced these locations already.
What do you like and dislike about the site?
What I really enjoy about 10000birds is reading the experiences of other birders. There are so many knowledgeable contributors, and every article has something to learn. Plus, I often come away with fresh ideas for planning my own birding trips.
As for dislikes? Honestly, my only complaint is that 10000birds isn’t already the number one birding blog in the world. It deserves that spot, and somehow, that needs to change!
What do you think should change?
We need more writers!
In an ideal world, who would you want to contribute to 10,000 Birds as well?
Honestly, I haven’t the faintest clue who I’d want to contribute, maybe some famous birder, maybe the guy who claims he saw a pink pigeon in his backyard, or even someone who can finally explain to me why the warblers never sit still for photos. Whoever they are, as long as they can make me laugh and teach me something new, they’d be perfect.
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