To celebrate the fantastic work of wildlife-loving birders, Happy Beaks is catching up with those who share their amazing photographs and practical birdwatching tips with others. We recently interviewed David Dinsley – the inspirational Instagrammer also known as @naturenortheast. Here’s what he told us…
How did you first get interested in bird watching?
My name is David Dinsley and I’m a 36-year-old conservationist, naturalist, and wildlife photographer. My passion for birdwatching began as a child, going out with my Granda Bill – usually around the coast of Northumberland. Those early experiences became my birding bedrock, and the foundation of my conservation career and lifelong love of wildlife.
I now live and work full-time on the beautiful Isle of Islay as warden of RSPB The Oa, a 2,100-hectare nature reserve and working farm. This wild landscape includes coastal heath, freshwater lochs, peatland, sea cliffs, and maritime grasslands, home to incredible species like chough, golden eagle, corncrake, and hen harrier. Living and working here is not just a job to me — it’s a privilege. I’m very fortunate.
What are your favourite birds?
Picking favourites is tough but herons have always fascinated me. There’s something distinctly prehistoric about them—their piercing eyes, their hunting precision, and the incredible diversity of beautifully plumaged species we have across the planet. A few years ago, I had the privilege of seeing boat-billed herons in Mexico. With their unusual appearance, they were a surreal sight and a dream come true, perfectly at home hidden in the mangrove swamps they inhabit.
As for British birds, some of my favourites include the green woodpecker, whinchat, corncrake, long-eared owl, and willow tit. Whinchats, in particular, bring me joy each spring when they return to the reserve, perching atop tall vegetation as the males deliver their scratchy, rattling song.
What are your top tips for successful birding?
If you’re new to birdwatching, here are some of my top tips:
- Explore Your Local Patch: Spend time in your local area and get to know the birds there throughout the year. Familiarize yourself with their behaviors, songs, and calls. Over time, you’ll notice seasonal changes as some species leave and others arrive, giving you a deeper appreciation for your “home turf.”
- Be an Early Bird: Birds are most active at dawn, so getting out early increases your chances of seeing and hearing more species. Early mornings are prime time for songbirds and feeding activity, though nocturnal species like owls and nightjars may be winding down. During autumn and winter, later sunrises make early birding easier.
- Capture the Moment: If you have a camera, use it to photograph birds you can’t immediately identify. Later, you can research the species or ask for help on social media or birding forums. Many birding communities are eager to assist with identifications.
- Start Now and Keep Learning: The best way to improve your birdwatching skills is to simply get outside and observe. Pay attention to sights, sounds, and behaviors, and let your knowledge grow with experience. The more time you spend in the field, the more rewarding birding becomes.
How has birdwatching impacted your life?
Being passionate about birds and wildlife makes it almost impossible for me to feel bored outdoors. There’s always something fascinating to discover, a moment waiting to spark my curiosity—and that has profoundly enriched my life.
When I’m out photographing birds, I find myself truly slowing down, quieting my mind, and focusing entirely on capturing those fleeting wild moments. It’s a chance to decompress and fully immerse myself in the present, soaking in the atmosphere as I anticipate the soft click of the shutter. Perfect!
I suppose the elephant in the room is that my birding hobby has now essentially developed into my day job. I mean yes, there’s a lot more to my career in conservation than just birdwatching, but the fact I’m paid to do what I love feels pretty special. I encourage anyone reading this to chase their dreams.
We hope you’ve enjoyed learning more about David Dinsley – aka @naturenortheast. Want to encourage more birds to visit your garden? Read our helpful bird food guide before stocking up on specialist bird seed mixes to attract all your favourite species.
