August is an exciting month as we welcome our early autumn migrants back to our coastline, but this year it’s extra special as we welcome a new Bird Wise Ranger to our team. In this blog we introduce ranger Eddie who joined us on 15 August and will be spending the next few weeks getting to know the coastline between Gravesend and Whitstable.

Hello everyone, my name is Eddie, and I am the new ranger for the North Kent Bird Wise team!

Over the past two weeks, I’ve already had the joy of engaging with many dog walkers and coastal enthusiasts like myself. But for those reading who I have not had the pleasure of meeting yet, let me tell you a little bit about myself…

I am a recent graduate from the University of Greenwich, having completed my studies in BSc Animal Conservation & Biodiversity. This involved analysing connections between species and identifying solutions to better manage an ecosystem and its environmental network. In a similar manor, I look forward to engaging with you and working together to help protect and conserve our iconic coastal migrant birds!
I have lived in Sittingbourne my whole life and take every opportunity to get myself to our beautiful Kent coastline. While walking along the shores, I often keep an eye out for some of my favourite waders and migrants such as Avocets, Curlews, Oystercatchers and the tiny Turnstones.

My passion for birds however came only very recently. Whilst going on those much-needed walks during the Covid pandemic, it became very apparent to me how utterly useless I was at identifying our beautiful native birds. My girlfriend was also very keen to point out in agreement how rubbish I was. However, with a year of recommended outings whilst the world adjusted, and a ruthlessly honest girlfriend, I took it upon me to educate myself and dive into the world of birding. Within hours, I was obsessed by the varying personalities each species would bring and the spectacular colours each bird would display. This obsession only grew as I explored local coastal sites such as Oare Marshes, Riverside Country Park and Cliffe Pools.

Now a couple of years in, my knowledge of UK bird species has improved dramatically, and am no longer ridiculed by my girlfriend for my lack of knowledge. The opportunity to work as a Bird Wise ranger has been one of my proudest achievements as I now get to engage and teach the public about the wonders of birds as well as continuing to learn from all those I engage with!
I look forward to seeing and chatting with you all out of the coast, as we welcome our spectacular wintering migrants to the shore!