Countless volunteers passionately dedicate themselves to making the Birdingplaces platform possible. That is why we (starting from now) regularly will put a Birdingplaces volunteer in the spotlight. This time our country editor for the state of Victoria in Australia. Please meet Janine Duffy.
Where do you live and how did your love of birds begin?
Janine: 'I'm living in Staughton Vale, a locality of farms and bushland one hour west of Melbourne, Victoria. The nearest towns are Anakie (famous as one of the locations used in Mad Max 1), Little River and Bacchus Marsh. My love of birds began with Bubba, a nestling Australian Magpie. She fell out of her nest in our local park in a wild September storm, and broke her legs. I picked her up and cared for her, with the support of a wildlife vet. She taught me about bird intelligence, humour and expression. Watching her sparkling eyes devise a game out of anything - a dropped pea rolling on the ground, a curtain draped over her aviary - I learnt about the fabulous minds of birds. After that, I was hooked.'
What is your favourite bird or group of birds, and why?
'Golly, usually the one I'm looking at! But I do have a bit of a crush on tubenoses (seabirds) at the moment. These extraordinary birds live on the periphery of humanity, on the wildest oceans on earth. In southern Australia we are fortunate to share an ocean with many seabirds. We have to make an effort to get out there - the best weather for seeing them is the worst weather we can navigate - but it is possible, and absolutely thrilling. I've been on tiny boats in huge seas, had a huge Wandering Albatross cast its great shadow over the whole boat, listened to Shy and Campbell (Black-browed) Albatrosses squabble with a Southern Giant-Petrel, while teeny-tiny Grey-backed Storm-petrels dance in and out of the waves. It's the pointy end of birdwatching, and the high lasts for days.'
'On land, there's our native pigeons and doves. Some of Australia's most glorious birds are in this family, and they live in the deep deserts, on the plains and in the tropical rainforests. Rose-crowned Fruit-doves are my favourite - small, bright, with a fun descending call. I love trying to find them amongst the red fruits of Carpentaria Palms in the Top End (its not easy!). At the other end of the spectrum, I've watched Spinifex Pigeons coming down to a waterhole in the Pilbara, Western Australia. They somehow managed to look like pebbles rolling down the slope - their small rounded bodies the same colour as the landscape, their short legs a blur, their striped grey, black, white and red heads confusing the eye.'
How did you discover Birdingplaces and what do you like or appreciate about Birdingplaces?
‘Birdingplaces came up in searches a few times over the last couple of years, but I really took notice when I started to plan a trip to Spain. When I travel I like to do half the time on birding trips with professional guides and half exploring on my own. That way I can support the economy, learn from professionals, and also enjoy making my own discoveries. On Birdingplaces I found the information I needed - how to get to a hotspot, what to bring, walking tracks and infrastructure, habitats, and where to search for certain birds. I loved the personal touches on the sites written up by locals. (And I love that the author is named! It gives a visitor a feeling of connection to the local birding community). The clincher was the interactivity. I found that I could either comment, or suggest edits, to improve the listing. Editors responded promptly, and my suggestions were live within days.’
Which areas, regions, or countries have you discovered or explored thanks to Birdingplaces?
‘Spain, Extremadura. We stayed in the gorgeous small town of Plasencia, and I used Birdingplaces to explore Paisaje Protegido Monte de Valcorchero, right there in the town. I saw lots of Iberian Magpies - one of my favourite species! We also travelled to Llanos de Cáceres - Observatorio La Pulgosa near Caceres, and to Salto del Gitano in Monfrague NP. Seeing those vultures was a life highlight!’
What is your all-time favourite birding area?
'So many to choose from! One of the best is the Katherine - Timber Creek area of the Northern Territory, Australia. I've had some of my most satisfying birding here. From Yellow-rumped Mannikins right inKatherine at Katherine Showgrounds Drainline and Racecourse, Gouldian Finch at Leliyn Edith Falls Road, massive flocks of Cockatiels at Brandy Bottle Creek, Purple-crowned Fairywrens and White-quilled Rock-pigeons at Victoria River, to Star Finches & Buff-sided Robins at Timber Creek. It's some of the best birding in Australia, easy to get to from Darwin, yet still poorly-known and underbirded.'
You are a volunteer at Birdingplaces as a Country Editor. What does your work as a country editor entail and what is nice about it?
'I am passionate about empowering the birders of the future, and those that usually get overlooked and underestimated. As a Country Editor I can help make sites accessible to everyone, so that birders can learn, enjoy and achieve their dreams. Being a Country Editor is easy, and doesn't take up much time. All it takes is a quick look over a new site submitted by another, add anything that is needed, learn a bit along the way, and publish!'
Anything else you would like to add?
'For me, birding is not just about the species I tick. It's a whole package: a sense of place, an understanding of habitat, the wildlife that lives there. I felt a little disconnected before Birdingplaces. Now, that gap is filled and my birding feels more complete. I'll keep trying the fill in more Birdingplaces!'
