About Me

I have been an active birder for some time now. 1968 saw my first foreign birding trip (2 weeks camping in the Camargue, southern France) my most recent (2009) South Africa. In between I have birded in most European countries. I have a soft spot for bird observatories. Not only are they invariably located at good birding hot spots but they offer a good opportunity to meet like minded people. My first bird observatory visit was to Spurn on the east coast of England in 1967, and my most recent the Miranda Shorebird Centre - 2008 (on the north island of New Zealand). My nearest observatory now is Crookhaven Bird Observatory on Mizen Head, West Cork, Ireland. They say you never forget your first time, and for me Spurn remains my favourite. Shorebirds (waders) are my favourite birds. I began birding in the suburbs of Manchester, in the centre of England, and for many years shorebirds to me were just pictures in books of birds at the coast. The first wader I saw was a breeding Common Sandpiper in the high hills of Derbyshire. Even common waders such as Redshanks did not come my way for many years, but when they did I was hooked. So now I feel very lucky to live in an area with easy access to excellent shorebird sites. The south west coast of Ireland also attracts many vagrant species, quite different to the Manchester suburbs!

South West Ireland is arguably the best place in Ireland for birding. County Cork has the longest bird list, so living here gives me a great opportunity to get to grips with most species. There is not much that we do not have here except broad leaved woodland but this is available within 1 hours drive in the Killarney National Park. I also like sea birds and up until recently I had a boat in which I could get out about 3 miles, which is far enough to find enough birds to occupy me in the summer and autumn. S.W. Ireland is perhaps the best pelagic birding spot in Europe and I try to take advantage of the fact!

FEES

The fees charged by a guide should be not only an honest reflection of his work done on the trip but also of his knowledge and experience built up over many years. Clients expect to be shown birds. A good guide should provide much more than this and be able to provide clients with an experience which is at once interesting, enjoyable and memorable. I try hard to share my knowledge of the bird’s habits and habitats and go at a pace which matches my client’s experience and enthusiasm. Often a birding trip is part of a more general vacation in Ireland – I try to make it one of the highlights.

I charge euro 180 per day for a full days guiding up to 10 hours which includes the first 80 miles of car travel.  Expenses are charged in addition such as overnight accommodation (B and B), travelling time, ferry costs, and any mileage above 80 at 30 miles per gallon. A typical day in West Cork would be euro 195

I started bird guiding mainly because I want to share and promote an interest in birding and conservation. It seems only fair to give something back to a pastime that has given me so much. I doubt that that I will ever be able to return the favour in full.