Birds: Birding through the years

An essential birding skill is the ability to climb a farm fence – with permission of course. Get your friend to pull open two strands, make your back horizontal, watch your clothes on the sharp bits, and you’re through.

On a few occasions – where I was being chased or chasing something – I’ve even leapt straight over with a running start. But this morning I found myself pausing to consider the best strategy. I’ll admit it took a bit longer: My knees groaned in agony and something clicked in my spine…

Getting older is an unavoidable fact of life. But growing up is optional. As I strolled through the grass, my jeans getting wetter with every step, I reflected on three decades of birding.