Birding

Why do I go birding?
Because most days it feels like a wonderful gift; for nigh on fifty years thus far - a fulfilling life experience.

Should we care about the label?
It matters not whether we are considered bird-watchers or birders, ornithologists or bird-lovers, bird-spotters or rarity hunters, tickers, twitchers or listers.

Are there 'philosophical implications'?
The gift of 'birding' has encouraged me to focus daily upon dynamic meditation; the interplay of the human mind and nature. Specifically to concentrate upon the way this interplay should enhance our life, both as humbled individuals and in the greatest groups.

July in East Africa. It's mid-winter in Arusha National Park at three degrees south and more than a mile above our warming oceans. We're experiencing mornings that do feel chilly right enough. Such that both locals and residents would really appreciate a wind-proof fleece. This past week I've been busy in the cool; early birding with overseas visitors; and local bird-guide training. Spending the chilly early mornings in the misty evergreen forests of Arusha National Park on Meru mountain side. And the warmer afternoons out in dry and dusty Meru-Maasai country, across the northern plains that mantle the national park's perimeter.
Mt Meru: photo Martin Goodeye

13 February 2007

The invitation to stay at Usa River, on an abandoned sisal estate, in our friends’ ‘datcha’ was too good an opportunity to miss. The house was converted from several workers’ cottages and apart from the absence of mod cons such as electricity, fridge and clean water was ideal for a complete break for the whole of February. The nearest neighbours were twenty minutes’ walk away. Bliss! We had the generous use of an old but excellent Range Rover which allowed access to the nearby village and, occasionally, Arusha town, but Kay and I spent most of the time on the veranda just watching nature happen, or strolling round the rapidly re-wilding estate. A brief three-day ‘safari’ to Tarangire and Manyara, and three visits to beautiful Arusha National Park provided a wider view of the area. But without doubt the highlight was a day out with James.

13 February 2007

The invitation to stay at Usa River, on an abandoned sisal estate, in our friends’ ‘datcha’ was too good an opportunity to miss.  The house was converted from several workers’ cottages and apart from the absence of mod cons such as electricity, fridge and clean water was ideal for a complete break for the whole of February.  The nearest neighbours were twenty minutes’ walk away.  Bliss! We had the generous use of an old but excellent Range Rover which allowed access to the nearby village and, occasionally, Arusha town, but Kay and I spent most of the time on the veranda just watching nature happen, or strolling round the rapidly re-wilding estate.  A brief three-day ‘safari’ to Tarangire and Manyara, and three visits to beautiful Arusha National Park provided a wider view of the area.  But without doubt the highlight was a day out with James.

Birds are feathered vertebrates (they have a backbone), their arms (forelegs) have become wings that bend at the shoulder, elbow and wrist and they all have a beak (a two part horn-like projection surrounding the mouth) but they have no teeth and every type of bird has only two ‘walking’ legs.