What’s your favourite fowl species?
My favourite household of birds are the Shrikes and I haven’t seen one I don’t like however Purple-backed Shrike is an actual stunner and was the inspiration behind my web site (first picture: Paul Hackett, all others by John Hague).
What’s your identify, and the place do you reside?
My identify is John Hague and I now dwell in Leicester. I’m initially from Yorkshire however moved right here 30-odd years in the past.
What are the principle areas or areas you cowl as a fowl information?
The principle areas can be the East Midlands, East Anglia, Lincolnshire, and Yorkshire. We’ve some nice areas just a few hours’ drive from dwelling for wintering Hen Harrier, Marsh Harrier, and Frequent Crane roosts, migration hotspots for scarce vagrants. Spring specialties embrace Nightingale, Stone Curlew, Redstart, and Pied Flycatcher.
How lengthy have you ever been a fowl information?
10 years or so however I lately retired after 31 years within the Nationwide Well being Service so I can dedicate myself to birding.
Wooden Warbler
How did you get into fowl guiding?
I had at all times loved taking individuals birding and exhibiting them birds however I assume David Lindo, the City Birder acquired me began by arranging a day for him round Leicester Metropolis to understand what city birds we get. I joined Birding Pal after this and have proven individuals from across the World our particular birds.
What are the points of being a fowl information that you just like greatest? Which points do you dislike most?
I really like assembly individuals and sharing particular moments with them. I can’t consider a greater job.
I suppose if a shopper has requested to see a selected fowl and we are able to’t discover it I really feel dangerous for them and I really feel I’ve allow them to down a bit. Birds are birds although and climate and time of 12 months might be a difficulty. Nothing is assured within the pure world.
What are the highest 5-10 birds in your area that you just suppose are essentially the most fascinating for visiting birders?
Lengthy-eared Owl, Hen Harrier, Frequent Crane, Dipper, Hawfinch, Nightingale, Little Owl, Quick-eared Owl, Wooden Warbler and Nightjar. All birds are particular although, aren’t they? Somebody from America is likely to be blown away by our Blue Tit however we by no means give them a re-assessment half the time.
Are you able to define at the least one typical birdwatching journey in your space? Please briefly describe the areas, the important thing birds, and the approximate period of such a visit
I can cowl the UK, most of my journeys are bespoke and I plan round a person’s wants. I’ve organized journeys for individuals with mobility points, and individuals who need both to see just a few of the UK’s particular birds, as nicely arranging journeys for birders from abroad to see species like Little Owl (not straightforward to search out today). I do additionally supply expertise days and half days that are standard. These journeys are to the Fens for winter birds like wild Swans, Harrier, Frequent Crane roosts, and wintering Owls.
A Spring journey to Breckland for Stone Curlew, Woodlark, and Firecrest are tremendous and a nighttime journey to see and listen to churring Nightjar and displaying Woodcock are standard.
What different recommendations are you able to give to birders keen on your space?
Within the UK you possibly can count on 4 seasons in at some point so costume sensibly. Binoculars and recognizing scope are helpful however I do have spares that visitors can use. July is usually the quietest month however there’s at all times one thing to see with returning waders (shorebirds) usually in gorgeous breeding plumage being the perfect. Birding within the UK actually is a year-round factor with one thing completely different in each season.
Little Gull
If any reader of 10,000 Birds is keen on birding with you, how can they greatest contact you?
Please take a look at my web site https://shrikebirdingtours.com/ or drop me an e-mail at john.hague17@gmail.com
Is there anything you want to share with the readers of 10,000 Birds?
I’m obsessed with exhibiting individuals the right way to phonescope birds and unlocking the potential of their smartphones.
As a psychological well being nurse, I additionally supply birding and conscious birding experiences to assist individuals enhance their psychological well being and well-being.
