24 September 2009

A Devon Birds welcome to John Twyford who has been appointed as the BTO’s new Regional Representative for Devon, succeeding John Woodland who died in December last year. John has recently been in touch with all BTO members in Devon and here he takes the opportunity to introduce himself to a wider audience of Devon birdwatchers.

John writes: “As the new BTO Regional Representative for Devon, I would like to introduce myself. I have been an active birdwatcher throughout my life. My BTO interests have been
alongside a busy teaching and academic career, as well as bringing up a family. As I am now retired I can devote more time to this voluntary work – especially in Devon.

I enjoy the BTO approach to bird ecology – to make observations, to record what is seen in a systematic way and to analyse what is seen, including exploring the relationship between birds and their natural habitats. Importantly, living things are best understood within the habitats upon which they depend. The issues at stake involve identifying why so many living things are under threat and if humans can understand the plight, or otherwise, of so many species.

As Simon Barnes says in his book How to be a bad birdwatcher: "It is not a matter of obsession, not at all. It is quiet enjoyment.’ This is how I view bird observation and fieldwork – but with a strong sense of purpose ecologically.

As the BTO’s RR for Devon, I hope to bring to bear my lifelong interest in birds. I have been a member of the BTO since the 1970s. I have experience of bird ringing (C Permit), as well as taking part in different bird surveys, especially the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) and the Atlas surveys.

Recently, I have been the tutor at the University of Exeter for various Environmental Studies Courses. My ‘Bird Life’ course offers practical, seasonal online tuition and discussion in general field observations of birds.

I am very impressed with the vast amount of fieldwork undertaken in Devon, especially by fellow BTO members. As you are aware, there are many surveys which require ongoing attention, especially since there are very many interesting species to observe in Devon.

I’ll be keeping in touch with BTO members through a newsletter, for which I would welcome any stories, photographs or news. Importantly, I’d like to hear from BTO members and other Devon birdwatchers on how we can work together in all the different bird surveys.

I am at present familiarising myself with the year-round routine of a BTO RR and look forward to meeting many of you in different parts of the county.”

John Twyford

If you would like to get in touch with John, you can send him an email by clicking here.