To celebrate the fantastic work of wildlife-loving birders, Happy Beaks has been talking to those who champion, photograph and generously share their birdwatching tips with others. We recently interviewed George Cook – the inspirational Instagrammer also known as @georgecuckoo. Here’s what he told us…
How did you first get interested in bird watching?
My name is George Cook, I’m a 32-year-old nature-lover, bird fan and wildlife photographer. Although I’ve always been interested in animals and the outdoors, I first started getting into birdwatching about 7 years ago when volunteering with the RSPB.
Spending time around other birdwatchers, I was able to see the passion they had, the excitement that birds brought to their lives and how much fun birdwatching could be. Birds are a group of animals that you will see almost everyday and almost anywhere you go, so learning about them, and getting excited by them, can bring a lot of joy to your life.
What are your favourite birds?
My favourite bird is, and has been for a long time, the swift. Each year, around the end of April or early May, I look up and see this dark, scythe-shaped bird screaming in the skies and am filled with joy that summer is on the way because the swifts are back. The fact these tiny creatures, that weigh about the same as a Cadbury’s cream egg, can be continually flying for two, or even three years, only ever landing to lay eggs, still blows my mind.
However, recently I saw a bird in Thailand that was so cool I think it might challenge the swift for that top spot. The white-bellied sea eagle. Although not the most imaginative or exciting name, this bird looked so striking as it glided over the crystal blue ocean that I was in shock. What on earth is that?! With a bright white head & breast contrasting with a grey back & wings, dark, fierce eyes and a large hooked beak, the white-bellied sea eagle just looked so incredibly cool. I was thrilled to have spotted one.
What are your top tips for successful birding?
If you’re new to birdwatching and want to give it a go, here are my top tips:
- Dawn and dusk – Birds are most active in the morning and evening so if you can get outside with your camera or binoculars during these hours, you should be able to enjoy more birds.
- Autumn and winter can be good times to start – With less leaves on the trees, it can be easier to spot and locate birds during these months. We also get some lovely winter visitors to the UK to look out for such as redwing, fieldfare or if you are lucky, waxwings!
- Get some binoculars – Any pair will do when you’re starting off. Get down to your local charity shop, search on Facebook market place or ask your friends or family to see if any has a secondhand pair you could borrow. They make the experience much more enjoyable and if you get into it, you can think about investing in a better, more modern pair.
- Enjoy your local area – Birdwatchers love having a ‘local patch’ that they get to know like the back of their hand. Find some patches of nature on your doorstep and see what species you can find there.
- Bring the birds to you – Start making your garden a haven for your feathered friends. Plant native trees, wildlife-friendly plants, fill up some bird feeders or even put in a pond and soon you’ll be able to birdwatch from the comfort of your own sofa.
How has birdwatching impacted your life?
Birdwatching is a hobby that you can take anywhere, and it has the power to completely transform your day and lift your mood in a moment. It could be a dull grey day and you’re walking home from a difficult day at the office, but wait, why are the pigeons all scattering? Look there’s a peregrine!
It has brought me countless exciting, happy moments: seeing a brand new species (a lifer) or a new face on the local patch; marvelling beneath a starling murmuration; pointing out a kingfisher to a friend; or just listening to the song of a singing blackbird.
Birdwatching also makes you more keen-eyed and attentive to the natural world. As you look for birds you’ll start noticing more flowers, mammals, fungi, clouds, trees and generally feel more connected to nature. I highly recommend picking up some binoculars and giving it a go.
We hope you’ve enjoyed learning more about George Cook – aka @georgecuckoo. If you want to encourage more birds into your garden, read our helpful bird food guide before stocking up on specialist bird seed mixes to attract specific species.
