What’s your favourite chicken species?
My favourite household of birds are the Shrikes and I haven’t seen one I don’t like however Pink-backed Shrike is an actual stunner and was the inspiration behind my web site (first photograph: Paul Hackett, all others by John Hague).
What’s your identify, and the place do you reside?
My identify is John Hague and I now dwell in Leicester. I’m initially from Yorkshire however moved right here 30-odd years in the past.
What are the primary areas or areas you cowl as a chicken information?
The principle areas can be the East Midlands, East Anglia, Lincolnshire, and Yorkshire. We now have some nice areas a couple of hours’ drive from house for wintering Hen Harrier, Marsh Harrier, and Widespread Crane roosts, migration hotspots for scarce vagrants. Spring specialties embody Nightingale, Stone Curlew, Redstart, and Pied Flycatcher.
How lengthy have you ever been a chicken information?
10 years or so however I lately retired after 31 years within the Nationwide Well being Service so I can dedicate myself to birding.
Wooden Warbler
How did you get into chicken guiding?
I had at all times loved taking folks birding and displaying them birds however I assume David Lindo, the City Birder received me began by arranging a day for him round Leicester Metropolis to understand what city birds we get. I joined Birding Pal after this and have proven folks from across the World our particular birds.
What are the features of being a chicken information that you simply like finest? Which features do you dislike most?
I really like assembly folks and sharing particular moments with them. I can’t consider a greater job.
I suppose if a consumer has requested to see a particular chicken and we will’t discover it I really feel unhealthy for them and I really feel I’ve allow them to down a bit. Birds are birds although and climate and time of 12 months will be a difficulty. Nothing is assured within the pure world.
What are the highest 5-10 birds in your area that you simply suppose are essentially the most attention-grabbing for visiting birders?
Lengthy-eared Owl, Hen Harrier, Widespread Crane, Dipper, Hawfinch, Nightingale, Little Owl, Quick-eared Owl, Wooden Warbler and Nightjar. All birds are particular although, aren’t they? Somebody from America could be blown away by our Blue Tit however we by no means give them a re-evaluation half the time.
Are you able to define at the very least one typical birdwatching journey in your space? Please briefly describe the areas, the important thing birds, and the approximate period of such a visit
I can cowl the UK, most of my journeys are bespoke and I plan round a person’s wants. I’ve organized journeys for folks with mobility points, and individuals who need both to see a couple of of the UK’s particular birds, as nicely arranging journeys for birders from abroad to see species like Little Owl (not simple to search out today). I do additionally supply expertise days and half days that are standard. These journeys are to the Fens for winter birds like wild Swans, Harrier, Widespread Crane roosts, and wintering Owls.
A Spring journey to Breckland for Stone Curlew, Woodlark, and Firecrest are tremendous and a nighttime journey to see and listen to churring Nightjar and displaying Woodcock are standard.
What different solutions are you able to give to birders curious about your space?
Within the UK you’ll be able to count on 4 seasons in in the future so gown sensibly. Binoculars and recognizing scope are helpful however I do have spares that friends can use. July is commonly the quietest month however there’s at all times one thing to see with returning waders (shorebirds) typically in gorgeous breeding plumage being the perfect. Birding within the UK actually is a year-round factor with one thing completely different in each season.
Little Gull
If any reader of 10,000 Birds is curious about birding with you, how can they finest contact you?
Please take a look at my web site https://shrikebirdingtours.com/ or drop me an e-mail at john.hague17@gmail.com
Is there anything you want to share with the readers of 10,000 Birds?
I’m keen about displaying folks learn how to phonescope birds and unlocking the potential of their smartphones.
As a psychological well being nurse, I additionally supply birding and aware birding experiences to assist folks enhance their psychological well being and well-being.