You might know him from his many appearances on TV, like Springwatch and CBeebies or perhaps you’ve seen him out and about with his binoculars at Blakeney Point or Wicken Fen.
With a strong love for nature and an inherent need to protect all things wild, Ajay shares the passion for birdwatching, the desire to protect birds and the need for inclusivity that brings Birda’s global community together. That is why we are excited to welcome Ajay as our newest Birda Ambassador.
Although Ajay is a well known conservationist, wildlife presenter and author, among other things, we wanted to sit down with him and get to know him a little better so you could too.
About Ajay
Ajay Tegala’s interest in wildlife began as a child watching and identifying birds on the local river. As a teenager, he discovered the role of rangers/wardens on nature reserves, spending their time observing and protecting nature, and it became his mission to work in conservation.
Every time I spot an owl, I have to log it on Birda!
Ajay has monitored seabirds on Blakeney Point, Norfolk and reed bed-dwelling species on Wicken Fen, Cambridgeshire – sharing his experiences in the books Ranger and Wetland Diaries, respectively. He has been seen on television from Springwatch to CBeebies (and don’t mention the popular UK quiz show, Eggheads!!). Ajay loves nothing more than birdwatching in Norfolk and Cambridgeshire.
Ajay shared more about his favourite species, how nature helps his mental health and the changes he’d like to see in the birding world.
What birding moment do you remember fondly?
“It’s hard to pick one favourite birding moment. I’ve been lucky to encounter several sought-after favourite species over the years. I’ll never forget my first Bittern, Cranes, Long-eared Owl and Bluethroat, to name a few. But my top moment would probably have to be on Lindisfarne during the great ‘Thrush Rush’ of October 2012. Out of the mist, hundreds of Redwings, Fieldfares, Song Thrushes and Blackbirds were literally coming out of the sky, making landfall on the island, having just crossed the North Sea in challenging conditions. To witness migration in action and such large numbers of birds was very special. Picking out occasional Ring Ouzels among the flocks was great.”
Is there a bird species you have an attachment to or a particular soft-spot for?
“A species I have a real attachment to is the Barn Owl. I think everyone loves owls. There is something so special and exciting about seeing them silently hunting along the edges of fields and ditches near home. I always savour the sight and every time I spot one, I have to log it on Birda!”
Mental health is important, what helps you feel grounded?
“Like so many people, I feel grounded when I’m on a nature walk. Not all the time or straight away, but going on a longer walks is something I never regret. And that’s one of the things I love about Birda, it gives me an added incentive to get out, not just to see birds, but to be out in places where birds are – and taking the time to notice every bird I encounter. Thinking about all of the species that might be around, rather than what happened yesterday or needs to be tomorrow!”
Do you have a favourite Birda feature?
“One of the things I love most about Birda is actually being able to look back over my sessions and see my route mapped with all of the birds along the way. It’s simple, really – but to be able to see what I saw where and when is a really nice record to have. And it’s very important to me that data collected by the app feeds into science – as well as for our enjoyment, the app is helping inform conservation.”
I want to see a greater diversity of birders really being able to feel safe and comfortable.
What change would you like to see in the birding world?
“Although change is happening, I want to see a greater diversity of birders really being able to feel safe and comfortable. There are more birding and walking groups forming and some fantastic ambassadors sharing their passion, motivating people to get birding – we just need even more of this. Everyone and anyone should be able to walk into a hide and enjoy watching birds without feeling nervous, judged or resented by anyone else.”
If you enjoyed meeting Ajay check out his newest book, Wetland Diaries, which is a truly inspiring read about life as a ranger. You can find out more about Ajay on his website here, or keep up to date with his social media and Wild Wednesdays on his instagram.
