Back Chat
A quick chat with... wildlife photographer and birder Mya Bambrick
Mya Bambrick, wildlife photographer, on her birding life
What first sparked your interest in birdwatching, and when? Seeing BBC Springwatch on the TV and walking around my local park helped to ignite my passion, when I was about eight years old.
Who was your birdwatching inspiration or mentor?
David Lindo, the Urban Birder, has been an inspiration to me over the last few years, as he made me realise the number of birds you can see in urban areas! I’m now glad to call him my mentor and good friend.
Do you bird alone or with a friend?
Normally, I’m joined by my mum and our dog when birding, although I love to meet up with other young birders when we are all free.
Your dream bird to see?
I’d absolutely love to see a Hen Harrier, or the ‘skydancer’ as they’re also called. I’m hoping to see one this winter.
Your favourite birding spot? Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve in West Sussex. A paradise for waders, ducks, and geese.
Your classic birder’s lunch, grabbed from the petrol station shop?
If I’m honest, I’m normally so gripped when birding I don’t think about eating, although my rumbling stomach thinks otherwise. A packet of crisps and a Kit-Kat are usually my go-to snacks.
Greenshank or Ruff?
I’d go for Greenshank. A nice treat when scanning through waders during migration time.
I was tempted to answer this with Nightingale, but thinking about it, Yellowhammer just tops it for me. It’s ‘little-bit-of-bread-withno-cheeseeee’ song reminds me of beautiful mornings spent walking in the countryside, a break from the urban town where I live.
Birdwatching’s biggest myth or misconception?
That it’s weird and just for middle-aged men. Which it is not, it’s such an amazing and important hobby to have. It helps to connect people with nature and is good for both mental and physical health.
The best bird you’ve seen?
If we’re talking about rare birds, it’s probably the Elegant Tern which turned up at Pagham Harbour a few years ago. I’m not normally a twitcher unless something happens to be nearby.
Identifying gulls – nightmare or a nice day out?
I’m going to have to say nightmare, although when I have time, I’d love to improve my gull ID!
Your favourite bit of birding kit?
Definitely my Leica scope, it’s an essential piece of kit when birds are a long distance away. How do we encourage young people to watch birds?
Make it cool and trendy! Get all schools to put up a bird feeder and set pupils a bird ID challenge.
Crane or White Stork?
In the summer, I was lucky enough to visit Knepp Wildland multiple times and saw up to 10 White Storks flying around on the thermals, an amazing sight. So, I’ll go with White Stork.
The one place you’d love to go birdwatching?
I’ve not been abroad yet, so my list is extremely long! I’d particularly like to visit Costa Rica and see my first hummingbird.
One birding or conservation issue you feel strongly about? Raptor persecution. It infuriates me that criminals are still getting away with it!
The bogey bird that still eludes you?
Spotted Redshank. Despite them being recorded in the summer at Pagham many times, they always stay hidden when I’m around.
Woodpigeons. Always hogging the bird feeders.
The bird book you’d never be without?
I love my Collins Bird Guide, a must-have for birders. It has beautiful illustrations which help massively with identification. Even better that you can get it as an app.
Why do you love birdwatching, in three words?
Thrilling. Addictive. Stress-reliever.
One piece of advice for birders taking part in our #My200BirdYear challenge? Keep open-minded when birding. Even when you’re in areas where you may think there are no birds, you’d be surprised at what can turn up. So, keep your eyes and ears open at all times.
Connect with Mya
n Twitter: @Myabambrick1 Instagram: @Myabambrickphotography Youtube: http://bit.ly/3pcoSV9
DAVID LINDO, THE URBAN BIRDER, HAS BEEN AN INSPIRATION TO ME OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS