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Birding is a journey that captivates the heart, challenges the mind, and immerses you in the wonders of nature.
In the latest episode of the Young Wildlife Photographers of Southern Africa Podcast, Gabby Sykora had the pleasure of chatting with with Luca Tomlinson, a passionate young birder, photographer, and conservation enthusiast. Together, they explored his birding journey, shared insights for beginners, and discussed the transformative power of observing the natural world.
A Passion Passed Through Generations
For Luca, birding began with his grandparents, who shared their love of the bush and nature with him from a young age. Frequent trips to the Kruger National Park laid the foundation for his lifelong passion. His initial interest was sparked by photography, using a simple point-and-shoot camera before transitioning to more professional equipment. Luca vividly recalls the moment he first peered through the viewfinder of a Canon DSLR, igniting his fascination with capturing nature’s beauty.
As he shared, “Once I looked through the viewfinder and focused, I was hooked. The clarity and detail were incredible—I’ve never looked back since.”
The Impo rtance of Family and Community
Birding can be a solitary pursuit, but Luca emphasized the importance of family in his journey. He acknowledged how fortunate he was to have parents and grandparents who loved the bush. However, he also admires those who discover birding on their own, driven by their passion despite not having a family background in nature.
“I have so much respect for people who dive into birding without family support. It shows their incredible passion for nature and determination to learn.”
Tips for Beginner Birders
Luca offered practical advice for those just starting their birding journey:
1. Invest in Good Binoculars: “Your experience will improve immensely with quality optics. Even an affordable pair like the Vortex Triumph can make a huge difference.”
2. Get a Field Guide or Birding App: Resources like Roberts or Merlin Bird ID provide essential information on bird calls, distribution maps, and identification tips.
3. Join a Birding Community: Local groups and online forums are great for learning from experienced birders.
4. Focus on Families First: Instead of memorizing individual species, start by learning to recognize bird families. This builds a strong foundation for identification.
5. Use a Camera for ID: A camera can help capture hard-to-identify species, allowing you to analyze and confirm sightings later.
Patience, Mindfulness, and the Rewards of Birding
Birding is more than identifying species—it’s about cultivating patience and mindfulness. Luca reflected on how waiting for the perfect moment has shaped his character.
“Birding teaches you to slow down and appreciate the small details. It’s helped me become a calmer, more observant person.”
This mindful approach extends to conservation, as birding fosters a deep connection to habitats and ecosystems. “Birds rely on specific environments to survive. Protecting these habitats is essential not just for them, but for the entire ecosystem.”
The Underrated Art of Listening
Birding isn’t just about what you see—it’s about what you hear. Bird calls offer critical clues for identification and are often the first indication of a bird’s presence. Luca highlighted the importance of learning bird calls and even suggested using apps and games to practice.
“Knowing calls has gotten me lifers. Before visiting a new area, I study target species’ calls. It’s amazing to recognize a bird by sound before you even see it.”
Wildlife Photography: Capturing Stories in a Single Frame
As a passionate wildlife photographer, Luca strives to tell stories through his images. He shared his preference for habitat shots over close-up portraits, as these convey a bird’s connection to its environment.
“Habitat shots show a bird in its world—the plants it feeds on, the environment it thrives in. It’s a glimpse into its daily life.”
Photography is also a powerful tool for conservation. By sharing his photos, Lucas hopes to inspire others to care about preserving wildlife and their habitats.
“If my photos inspire even one person to love nature or start birding, I feel accomplished.”
Final Thoughts
Birding is more than a hobby—it’s a gateway to understanding the natural world and our place within it. From fostering patience and mindfulness to deepening our appreciation for conservation, birding has a profound impact on our lives.
As Luca put it, “Birding makes you a better person. It connects you to nature, teaches patience, and inspires a desire to protect the world around you.”
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just starting out, the journey is always rewarding. So grab your binoculars, step outside, and see where the adventure takes you.
Listen to this episode here
To find out more about the Young Wildlife Photographers of SA community, click here
Are you going on birding day out this weekend? Why not use the Firefinch App to track your bird sightings! Click here
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