Who are our writers, and why do they contribute to the site without pay and with no real benefits other than worldwide fame? 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?
My partner began birdwatching when we were in Kerala, India, in 2024. He would go for walks at dawn with our sleep-intolerant infant and was amazed at the variety of birds, and he began trying to identify them. As a supportive partner, I started pointing out birds to him, planning outings at birding hotspots, and bought binoculars. I also began using eBird to practice identifying birds and joined local birding subreddits and Facebook groups. And then I thought, hang on, am I just the best, most amazing spouse in the world, or am I a birder now?
Has your attitude towards birding changed with time – for example, did it get intense, do you focus on different things now, etc.?
I’m still very much in the honeymoon stage of birding, and I am enjoying taking my time with it. I enjoy seeing the everyday birds (like the Grey Butcherbird pictured below) almost as much as the more unusual sightings.
What were the ornithological highlights in your life so far?
Gosh, all of them. I particularly love unexpected sightings or moments when you can observe a bird’s behaviour, even if the birds are common. Like seeing the below pair of Galahs all loved up. But to pick a specific highlight, it would be spotting a family of four Powerful Owls. It was thrilling!
What are your plans for the next few years, as related to birding? For example, trips planned?
I hope to explore Victoria further over the next few years, perhaps travel interstate in Australia. I spent my childhood in Uganda, and I would also love to take a birding tour to see some Shoebills sometime, but that might be much further into the future.
If you had to make a living off birding, what kind of activity would you try?
This was the hardest question to answer – I don’t have any skills around birds. Hmmm. Something behind the scenes related to conservation, perhaps?
Your Life As A Non-Birder
What do you do for work?
I work in mental health.
Is there any link between your work and birds/birding?
Both benefit greatly from patience and curiosity.
What’s your favourite thing to do outside of birding?
Travel, reading, cooking. I’ve started a project where I’m cooking meals from every country in the world and pairing them with a movie. That should keep me busy for another 20 years or so, along with enjoying birds.
How does your personal environment (e.g., partner, children, etc.) regard your interest in birds and birding?
Like I said earlier, my partner got me into birds, so we are now a match made in heaven. My almost 3-year-old knows a fair bit about birds now, and they’re a part of his lexicon. Recently, he was running through the house flapping his wings, saying he’s a baby Musk Lorikeet looking for his nest.
It’s hard to bird with a toddler, but still enjoyable, and I look forward to seeing if it’s something that continues to be a part of his life.
Birding General Info And Advice
What are some of your birding tips for beginners?
Not many, being a beginner myself. Probably do it however you want, but do it ethically! Stay away from nests, no playback, etc. I probably have more tips for those who try and bird with young children: as many snacks as you can carry, a rotation of playgrounds/reserves, following the birds they show interest in (even if it’s the 15th magpie) and having low (rock-bottom low) expectations.
How important are apps for your birding?
Apps have been invaluable for me to learn about birds. I use eBird to learn about the different birds in my area. It’s not always accurate, but I also like using Merlin when I’m in a new area.
Do you have any favourite birding-related media (e.g., books, podcasts, websites, magazines, videos, etc.) you can recommend?
10,000 birds, d’uh! I have also found region-specific Facebook groups and subreddits helpful.
Are there any aspects of birding you would like to learn more about (e.g., bird families, birding destinations, people involved in birding)?
I struggle with identifying Raptors and Shorebirds (especially Sandpipers- they make my eyes and brain hurt), and I’d love to get better at this.
10,000 Birds
Why do you write for 10,000 Birds, other than for the fame and glory?
I’ve always loved words, and now I love birds, and I suppose, it was a bit like wanting two of your best friends to meet and get along with each other.
What do you like and dislike about the site? What should change?
I love the diversity of voices and that it’s not focused on any one region. I don’t dislike anything in particular. I suppose more diversity of voices is always welcome.
In an ideal world, who would you want to contribute to 10,000 Birds as well?
I believe one of our authors, Faraaz, answered this question in his interview with naturalist poetry. I second that and will raise it to birding fiction!
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