David Lindo
The author, lecturer, presenter and Urban Birder on the serendipitous pleasures of discovering wildlife where you’d least expect it and the spirituality of birdwatching
When I was six, I found a library book that contained over 1,000 bird species. I took it into school to read during lessons. By the time I was eight, I knew most of the species – not just the ones in that book. I guess the “10,000 hours of practice” Malcolm Gladwell describes as the key to expertise happened before I was eight.
I grew up in an area of London comprised mainly of immigrants. There was no one to teach me or take me to the countryside, so I taught myself. Though, surprised by my interest, my mum forked out for a pair of binoculars. I didn’t pay her back for ages, but we’re square now!
As time went by, I realised urban areas are interesting and exciting. Anything can turn up anywhere at any time. Some 620 bird species have been recorded in the UK, and you can find 95% of these in urban areas. The Dartford warbler is often spotted in areas of heathland with gorse. I remember walking with a journalist in Wormwood Scrubs in West London and there was a solitary gorse bush. The bush rustled – and out flew a Dartford warbler!
My career began with presenting on Springwatch, but I wanted to spread my message further so I began writing, lecturing and tour leading. My first book, The Urban Birder, is a personal record of what I’ve done in my life. My latest children’s book, The Extraordinary World of Birds, includes a range of species unknown to most people that will hopefully stick with kids their whole lives.
One challenge of my career is my phobia of birds! I blame Alfred Hitchcock for my diculty touching them. I’ve done a lot of leg ringing with The British Trust for Ornithology, though, so I’m now somewhat desensitised.
My main tip for birding is not to worry if you don’t know much. That knowledge will come. Birding is a spiritual thing. It’s not about rarity, it’s about looking around and seeing what’s there – distinguishing the sounds of nature from those of humanity.
Anyone who’d like to find out more about birding can gain access to information and recommended spots to visit by joining the community at theurbanbirderworld.com