Spotlight on Ben Armstrong: Birding with Heart and Vision
At Kowa Sporting Optics, we’re proud to support a new generation of wildlife enthusiasts who embody the spirit of exploration and conservation. One of those ambassadors is Ben Armstrong, a passionate zoology student whose love for wildlife started young and continues to grow. We recently caught up with Ben at the RSPB St Aidan’s reserve in the UK to talk about birding, digiscoping, and what inspires him in the great outdoors.
Meet Ben
Ben’s birding journey is closely tied to the Solway Firth, a coastal area near his university that becomes a winter haven for thousands of migratory birds. For him, this spot isn’t just rich in wildlife - it’s a source of calm, inspiration, and seasonal wonder. It’s where he feels most connected to the rhythms of nature. Ben expressed his awe at the biodiversity found even in familiar habitats across the UK. Whether it’s birds, insects, or mammals, he’s always amazed by what lies just beyond the path. For him, every outing is a reminder that nature’s variety is often underappreciated and well worth discovering.
Curiosity, Solitude, and a Pair of Binoculars
Ben's love for wildlife started young - watching dippers by a stream near his family’s caravan in North Wales. He was encouraged early on by a supportive family who celebrated his curiosity and love for the outdoors. These days, his friends are often surprised - and intrigued - by his encounters with species they’ve only seen in books or documentaries. It’s a joy for him to share that passion and open people’s eyes to the wildlife around them. While he enjoys connecting with other enthusiasts online, Ben often prefers to head out solo when birding. He finds peace in the quiet of nature, allowing him to slow down, sharpen his senses, and fully immerse himself in the environment. For him, it’s as much about mindfulness as it is about spotting birds.
Technology & Digiscoping
Birding has evolved in exciting ways, especially for younger generations. Ben highlighted how today’s young birders are highly visual and socially connected. Platforms like Instagram and various group chats allow them to document sightings, share rare finds, and build friendships with fellow nature lovers. It’s not just about ticking species off a list, it’s about sharing experiences and creating a vibrant, online birding community. Ben has recently embraced digiscoping, and it’s opened up a whole new world of wildlife photography for him. With the ability to record behavior in stunning quality, he’s finding new ways to observe and share what he sees, often capturing moments his traditional DSLR couldn’t match.
A Clear Vision for Nature’s Tomorrow
Looking ahead, Ben hopes to combine his academic studies with fieldwork, pursuing a career in conservation and ecological research. His goal is to protect the habitats he loves, understand animal behavior, and contribute to efforts that ensure these natural treasures remain for generations to come. Equipped with the Kowa TSN-55 PROMINAR spotting scope, the BDII-XD binoculars, and the SMARTOSCOPE smartphone digiscoping adapter, Ben relies on gear that is lightweight, high-performance, and field-ready. He appreciates how this combination allows him to spot rarities and capture vivid moments in nature, often in surprising detail.
Ben's favourites:
