We are birders - Atticus Kidd

Atticus Kidd will soon be joining us as our Green Finance Development Officer. He's just completing his MSc in Global Biodiversity Conservation at Sussex Uni. Atticus is a keen birder, and before applying for the role with us, sent us these answers for our 'we are birders' blogs.

Tell us a bit about yourself

I loved nature as a child but found that education didn't particularly promote this passion. With a skill for maths, I was instead led down alternative routes that resulted in a degree in Economics followed by a decade in the finance industry. I maintained various volunteer roles in conservation, but it wasn't until uncovering a love of birds that I came to reignite this passion fully. I went back to University to study Ecology and I'm now using the skills I previously acquired in my work life to help nature through the Natural Capital industry.

Number of years birding?

I have always taken an interest in nature, but have had a particular focus on birds for five or so years.

Any challenges to birding for you?

I have a benign essential tremor which makes my hands shake. As you can imagine this makes staring down a pair of binoculars quite tricky. I have a scope on a tripod to help with stability on the visuals but learning birdsong has been a massive help for me, although its a long and continual process.

Which is your favourite bird to watch and why?

I love the Eurasian Jay, I think they have such personalities and the research surrounding them is fascinating. I also love Oaks and so have an increased appreciation for Eurasian Jays in their role spreading these across the UK.

Jay © Alan Price

Where is your favourite place to watch birds?

New Zealand is tough to beat. They have a beautiful array of birds and you feel like a real explorer. Whether trekking on a remote island for Malherbe's Parakeet, taking out a boat in search of the New Zealand Storm Petrel or staying up late for a glimpse of a Kiwi. However, I would say that I love birding pretty much anywhere. In Sussex, I'm a big lover of Pulborough Brooks and Knepp. I'm fortunate enough to have a role as a Safari Guide at Knepp and have been continually amazed by the wildlife there.

What's your top tip for new birders

Start taking notes. Taking notes on behaviours, habitat, song and other features really helps to build a full profile of a bird. This won't just help with identification but also developing a relationship with birds. I wish I'd taken more notes in my early days of birding to remember those walks and improve my learning. It's quite easy to become obsessed with just seeing as many species as possible but when you start taking notice of the birds themselves this adds a whole other layer. Taking notes will still help put together those life lists too.

Any experiences of birding/using a bird hide you’d like to share?

Birding for me has been an overwhelmingly positive experience. The wealth of resources out there has made it an easy way to interact with nature in both an informative and mindful manner. That being said, I am aware that the world of birding can seem impenetrable with the extent of knowledge sometimes assumed and various issues with profiling. However, I have found that birders are almost always willing to help and the journey has been highly rewarding. I'd love to see more people from a wider array of backgrounds in birding.