Featured Bird Watcher: Nadia Hubbard

To celebrate the work of wildlife-loving birders, Happy Beaks caught up with Nadia Hubbard, also known as @nnb23nnb. A self-taught photographer and outdoors enthusiast, Nadia reveals how an unexpected career change sparked her passion for birdwatching – bringing joy, purpose, and plenty of feathered friends along the way.

How did you first get interested in bird watching?

I have my dad to thank for instilling a love of nature in me. From a very young age we went to our local woods in Sheffield and spent many fond weekends in Derbyshire exploring the beautiful countryside and its resident wildlife. I remember many bird encounters with my dad, including looking after an injured blackbird in our garage. Unfortunately it couldn’t be saved, teaching me from a young age that nature can be a double-edged sword: beautiful but sometimes cruel.

It wasn’t until I was made redundant in 2015 and took a part-time job that I became especially passionate about birds. The role involved using a DSLR camera to take wildlife photos for social media. I’d never used one before but, with some trial and error (and plenty of YouTube tutorials), a totally new world opened up before my eyes. Suddenly I was noticing things I’d never seen before.

Since then, birdwatching has completely enhanced my quality of life. I’m never happier than when I’m around birds – in fact I even rate places on their “bird factor” – if the birds approve, then so do I!

What’s your favourite bird?

I lean towards favouring garden birds, but if I had to choose a favourite it would be the characterful and quirky robin. My first encounter with one was priceless: a robin flew over and perched on my hand in the local woods. It felt like a lottery win, and I still pinch myself every time it happens.

Have you made any feathered friends?

I don’t just fall in love with a type of bird, but with individuals. Over the years I’ve built a rapport with many fine feathered friends and become particularly attached to those that survive and adapt despite the odds – like a rook with a bent claw and a great tit with a missing nail. It’s so humbling when they put their trust in you.

Of course, the downside is that it’s devastating when they disappear. For years I saw the same robin every week, I only had to whistle and he’d come over to say hello. One day he vanished, reminding me to make the most of every precious moment.

Every encounter is memorable, but the first ones stand out most. When I first stumbled across a Jay, I rushed home thinking I’d discovered a new exotic species, only to find it was “just” a common corvid. Although it’s beyond me why so many beautiful things are referred to as common!

What are your top tips for successful birding?

• Minimise your kit: Getting a camera with a good zoom can double as a pair of binoculars, enabling you to see birds in closer detail. I use a Sony Cybershot RX10 IV as it’s good in low light, has a higher shutter speed for birds in flight, and is light enough to use one-handed (without a tripod) as I usually have bird food in the other one!

• Carry bird food: I never leave the house without a bag of bird food in my possession as you never know when an opportunity might arise!

• The more you’re out, the more you’ll see: I’m personally a fresh air freak so I’m always out and about, usually in gardens or woodland, hoping to see birds.

• Create a bird-friendly garden: You don’t need to have a large garden to encourage them to visit. Just a few pots with plants that attract birds/insects, a pond or bird bath, feeders, and bird boxes.

• Get online: Research local bird hides or nature reserves, check the best time to see species in your areas and check social media groups for which birds have been seen near you.

• Embrace every season: Each one brings different species and behaviours. I especially love spring, with its new life and the comical sight of fledglings sporting their cute but grumpy faces.

How has birdwatching impacted your life?

For me, a negative, being made redundant, turned into a real positive for which I’ll always be grateful.

Being around birds and wildlife has been a life-changer both physically and mentally. It’s given me so much joy and purpose. Nature really is the gift that just keeps on giving, expecting nothing in return.

It’s a lucky dip every time you head out: you never know what you’ll see, and the anticipation can be just as satisfying as the reward. I can happily spend hours walking or standing still, watching for movement – which on many occasions has resulted in me pursuing leaves or twigs that look like birds!

Through sharing my photos and experiences, I’ve also formed valued friendships and discovered new places I’d never have visited otherwise. A win–win for me.

What’s next for your bird watching adventures?

I’m always looking to expand my sightings, experiences and places to visit, so please do get in touch with me via Instagram at @nnb23nnb if you have any suggestions – I’m always grateful for ideas.

In another life I’d have loved to train as a bird ringer to be more hands-on and make a bigger difference, though I think my tree-climbing days may be numbered now!

For more beautiful shots of British birds and wildlife, discover a host of other inspiring birders in our ‘Featured Bird Watcher’ series. To encourage more birds into your garden, read our helpful bird food guide and stock up on specialist bird seed mixes to attract specific species.