It’s the event of the year, if you’re into birds and wildlife, and the thousands of people who come back year after year are testament to this.

The British Birdwatching Fair at Rutland Water entices diverse bird lovers from near and far, and last year’s fair saw over 23,000 visitors walk through it’s gates.

“It started out purely as a celebration of birds and wildlife.” says co-organiser Martin Davies, “But we quickly realised that there was a gap in the market for this kind of event, and there was scope to raise funds for conservation projects on both a national and international scale.”

Funds to the tune of £242,000 were raised last year, each and every penny of which went directly to fund conservation projects for South Ethopia’s endemic birds. This money will subsidise the safeguarding of rare species for three years.

This year, proceeds will go towards the Flyaways Programme — which endeavours to protect the welfare of migratory bird populations at different points in their international journeys throughout the year.

“Migratory birds do not recognise international boundaries.” says Martin, “Whilst we can do our best to protect travelling species here in Britain, they can often encounter problems in European breeding grounds and are hunted in areas they
depend upon for re-fuelling.”

“Therefore, the knock-on effects of our fundraising are of global significance.” he adds.

Shifts in climate are also of current concern amongst experts — renowned species such as the Turtle Dove have been affected by warmer temperatures here in Britain, and numbers have dwindled by as much as 90%.

“Such problems need addressing — and whilst we have the knowledge, skills, and expertise necessary to improve their plight — it’s the funding and lack of awareness that is more of a concern.”

Three main global flyways have been established to help conserve migratory birds. The focus of this year’s Birdfair will be on African-Eurasian Flyway, but the Americas Flyway and the East Asian-Australasian Flyway are also in desperate need of attention.

An array of wildlife celebrities have also helped to raise the profile of the annual two day event and its mission to make a difference. Famous personalities including Simon King, Nick Baker, and Chris Packham show their support for the event through their yearly attendance.

Whether it’s their brilliant brew — Birdfair Bitter — or their Mastermind-style quiz show Bird Brain of Britain, there’s an extensive timetable of events stretching across the two day festival, with a variety of entertainment to keep adults, children, amateurs, and professionals amused.

What’s more, The British Birdwatching Fair prides itself on being the world’s first and largest international birdwatching event — drawing both a national, and international crowd, so as far as the best of the birders are concerned it really is a cut above the rest.

Fortunately, we only have to creep across the county borders to be part of this first-rate festival, and with such an excellent event taking place right on our doorstep, now is a better time than any to take to watching. Simon Wilson — Visitor and Publicity Officer at Frampton Marsh and Fresiton Shore — shares the secrets of how even the most novice can to pursue a love for our feathered friends.

“The most common birds in our county are garden birds such as the blackbird, robin, dunnock, blue tit, great tit, chaffinch, goldfinch, and greenfinch,” says Simon.

“These birds can generally be seen all year round — but are often more evident in summer when they’re busy feeding their chicks.”

In addition, birds such as the Little Egret are easy to see all year round in Lincolnshire, not only by the coast, but futher inland than ever before. 20 years ago there were none in the UK, but now — thanks to a warmer climate — they are able to move further North.

“Lincolnshire reserves also provide a particular habitat for rare and vulnerable bird populations.” Simon says.

The wilderness of The Wash on Freiston Shore, and Frampton Marsh provide a suitable summer environment for rarer species such as the Avocet, Knot, Lapwing and Redshank.

Gibraltar Point, Far Ings, and Whisby Nature Park are also worth a visit for budding bird enthusiasts.

“The summer is great for the beginner,” says Simon. “The weather tends to be at its warmest, there are usually lots of baby birds around, and generally fewer bird types, making identification less confusing. The Autumn is also great because of migration.”

In spite of this, Simon claims he’s an all-weather follower; “Winter is my favourite season to birdwatch. Many birds that breed further north in the UK descend onto the saltmarsh of The Wash as this area usually remains above freezing point.”

“To develop as a birdwatcher, there are two key things that will aid your progress.” he says. “Primarily, you need to get yourself out to watch as many birds as you possibly can.” Secondly, he jokes; “Stay in and read about as many birds as you can!”

In terms of essentials, it’s all about equipping both your eyes and your ears for the job!

”There is a certain degree of snobbery surrounding optics,” Simon admits. “You’ll see poeple who have several thousand pounds worth of equipment dangling round their necks, but I can assure you, this will not make them, or you, a good birdwatcher!”

“As long as they make objects that are far away appear closer, they will do the job!”

After the binoculars, and the sensible outdoor clothing — Winter on the Wash can be very cold — the best skill to acquire is idenitfying birds by song and call.

“Each species has its own unique sound, and learning some of them will alert you to what is hiding in bushes and trees, and this will improve your birdwatching more than any other single thing,” Simon says.

And a final tip, don’t get your terminology in a twist — or should I say, twitch; “It is a common misconception that birdwatchers and twitchers are the same thing,” warns Simon.

“Twitching is when someone hears the news of a rare bird somewhere and drops what they are doing to pursue it. Going out for a walk with your binoculars around your neck in the hope of seeing a few birds is not twitching, it is birdwatching.”