Nature Features

As a child I loved nature, and birds, but my real interest in bird watching grew when I moved back home after finishing university. I started walking in the evenings with my mum to get some fresh air and hopefully burn a few calories.

On our nightly wanders around local parks we noticed the ducks. We started taking out the 'family binoculars' - a tiny plasticy pair that just about did the job of making those ducks appear a bit bigger in our eyes.

Jenny birdwatching in the Farne Islands

Soon I was hooked and became a fully-fledged, card-carrying watcher of birds (with the RSPB). It is so exciting being out in beautiful places, surrounded by stunning scenery and discovering lots of different birds.

It didn't take long for me to want to share this new-found enthusiasm with others, so I contacted the RSPB through the website and started volunteering at events, helping out with kids' activities and even washing cars to raise funds!

I had a great time meeting the other staff and volunteers who were so friendly. I loved the warm glow I'd get if I could show someone an amazing bird, like the peregrine falcons in Birmingham, or even get them excited about the wildlife in their back garden.

Bay of Islands, New Zealand

Albatross adventures

Last summer, I went to work in New Zealand for a year. I continued to indulge my love for birds and was treated to fantastic views of albatrosses, penguins and parrots. Even seven hours of seasickness couldn't taint the thrill of huge albatrosses soaring so close to the boat, I could almost reach out and touch them.

Since coming home, as well as looking for a job, I've got straight back into volunteering. I do one day a week in the RSPB office in Birmingham, and I love it. The team are enthusiastic, friendly, and generous with the tea and biscuits.

Autumn excitement

Coming home and seeing and hearing even common garden birds has been like meeting old friends. I'm also ridiculously excited about autumn!

A robin sits on Jenny's hand

In New Zealand I lived in the Bay of Islands, a stunning paradise of deep green bush and turquoise water… gorgeous, but evergreen. It's wonderful to get out and enjoy a 'proper' autumn again, seeing the beautiful colours of red and gold emerging.

I've also been happy to revisit some of my favourite local spots. Sandwell Valley always amazes me - one minute you can be in the centre of a housing estate, then the next be watching a flock of lapwings wheeling and whooping above your head. You really could be in the middle of the countryside.

I hope to continue volunteering for the RSPB. They're always so quick to thank me for my time, but I often feel like it's me who should be thanking them for the opportunity to get involved, stick up for the environment and, of course, indulge my love of birds.

Have a great autumn exploring!

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Keep across all things Autumn with BBC Autumnwatch.

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