How did you get into birds?

[kro]

I just wondered, as someone who has only just belatedly discovered the exciting world of wildlife and birds in particular (and hence still colossally playing catch-up on even the most basic of knowledge) - how many people had grown up with a lofe-long interest in the subject, and how many people here had arrived to it as an adult like I have. I wish I'd paid more attention sooner, but at the same time it's fantastic to discover a whole new world on your doorstep!

[AndrewB]

Very recently! I became interested about a year ago when I was working and moved desks to where I could see the office bird table, which members of staff used to maintain. Then when I retired last April I installed a feeder in the garden, and now enjoy watching the visitors from my kitchen window.

Perhaps I should add I did work as well as watching the bird-table.

[Adam Cheeseman]

I've been birdwatching for 26 years and my Dad could never understand the attraction in them for me, until shortly before his death from cancer in 1992 when he was sat round my aunty and uncle's house convalescing. While there he he watched the different birds to-ing and fro-ing the bird table and all the squabbles and behaviour they were showing. Apparently he said, "Now I understand."

[big bill]

Was into Landscape photography and used to go off on my own then due to ill health and operation family would`nt let me venture far on own so liked photography that much took up photographing birds in the garden after daughter bought a feeding station for mt birthday that was 2 years ago

[ChrisJB]

I guess it started when I was a young lad, playing out and generally messing about in the hilly countryside where I grew up and time spent staying on my aunt's farm. Alas, I was also a birds nester then for a short time as well. There were also the walks with my grandpa, dad and a local eccentric character I latched on to when I was a lad (who became a lifelong and dear friend) I regularly went on. All this mix has contributed to a deep love of the British countryside that if anything gets stronger with age.

Regards, Chris

[Picidae]

Without revealing my exact age , over 40 years ago as a wee toddler - my parents were keen all round wildlifers - Mum in particular with birds, Dad with Butterflies - as soon as I was out of the pram, my interest was watching them come to the feeders in the garden in my very early years and drawing/painting them through childhood (even won a Peter Scott competition once!) All our holidays until the age of 4 were on the Norfolk Broads/various rivers and canals around the UK and we all had binoculars (the ones I have now are rather better!). From 5 onwards, many of our holidays were to great bird locations abroad including the Carmargue so grew up with it really - later became more 'serious' as I got involved in conservation work in my early twenties and various ornithological clubs.

[FUDGEY]

I have been into birds & wildlife since I was 5 & I'm 40 in a few weeks. It was my grandfather that took me out on long bike rides where we would spend all weekend and I loved it from the very first minute. What I find very sad these days is how the vast majority of the younger generation have no interest in our fabulous wildlife. They would rather be sitting in front of a play station all day. Sad but true.

[2dogs2000]

As a child I used to lie in the fields and watch the clouds. Then I would hear a skylark and it would take ages to locate it. How many times did I try to find its nest and never succeed.
Even now a skylark takes me right back to my childhood.

[bobbarber]

Originally Posted by kro

I just wondered, as someone who has only just belatedly discovered the exciting world of wildlife and birds in particular (and hence still colossally playing catch-up on even the most basic of knowledge) - how many people had grown up with a lofe-long interest in the subject, and how many people here had arrived to it as an adult like I have. I wish I'd paid more attention sooner, but at the same time it's fantastic to discover a whole new world on your doorstep!

My interest in birds and wildlife goes way back to my early childhood ( I`m retired now for a few years) I grew up in London and spent my early years bird watching in Wanstead Park and Epping Forest. The beauty of the hobby is that it can be as cheap or as expensive as you want, you can travel the world or observe in your own back garden. As time passed I joined the RSPB junior section (The Junior Bird Recorders Club) and learned how to keep simple records. all you needed was a notepad and pencil, `The Observers Book Of British Birds` and an enquiring mind. I bought my first binoculars 2nd hand in the `Army Surplus Stores`...Bob

[loripo]

Originally Posted by FUDGEY

I have been into birds & wildlife since I was 5 & I'm 40 in a few weeks. It was my grandfather that took me out on long bike rides where we would spend all weekend and I loved it from the very first minute. What I find very sad these days is how the vast majority of the younger generation have no interest in our fabulous wildlife. They would rather be sitting in front of a play station all day. Sad but true.

There is a very good book out called 'Last child in the Woods' that speaks of Nature-deficit disorder, and says that we should have an innate interest in our fellow species that seems now to be in danger of dying out. There are at least two threads on horrible incidents of cruelty to wildlife recently. You can see that there have been people around like Fudgeys grandad who have passed on their knowledge and interest and this is so vital and important.