Now, I wouldn't call myself a twitcher, but I've certainly developed a growing fascination with our feathered friends over the past few years...
It all began during a trip to New Zealand, when I joined a guided tour from Stewart Island to the nature reserve of Ulva Island. My enthusiastic and extremely knowledgeable guide pointed out a host of birds, taught me how to listen to the different birdsongs and shared with me the habits and quirks of each different species. Without her wealth of experience I would undoubtably have walked through the forest compltely oblivious to the abundance of life all around me.
Fast forward several years and I find myself on the back of an ice-strengthened vessel, crossing the Drake Passage en route to Antarctica. I'm joined here by a lovely English couple, avid birdwatchers, who patiently explain to me several times over the differences between the various species of albatross (black-browed, grey-headed, wandering) and petrels (painted, snow, Antarctic, storm) that follow in our wake.
I have to admit I still struggle to identify most species but I defy anyone not to be amazed by the sheer volume and diversity of the birdlife of the Southern Hemisphere. From the gaudy-coloured lorikeets and greedy pelicans of Australia, to the comical antics of Antarctica's many penguins, to the flightless kiwi and mischievous keas of New Zealand, there couldn't be a greater contrast to the common magpies that frequent my own back garden. And regardless of my total ignorance on the subject, it's the unique wildlife I find that always makes travelling such an adventure.
To find out more about Discover the World's birding and wildlife holidays you can visit us at this weekend's British Birdwatching Fair, 21-23 August at Egleton Nature Reserve, Rutland Water, Oakham, Rutland. You can find further details here.
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