A Passion for Birds, A Global Vision: Welcoming David Lindo to the Kowa Family
Recently, Kowa Sporting Optics had the pleasure of hosting a truly inspiring conversation between our US Sales Manager Jeff Bouton and our new Global Ambassador David Lindo, famously known as The Urban Birder. In a lively hour-long chat, these two birding veterans dove into stories and reflected on what it means to live and breathe birding - from London to Arizona and everywhere in between.
Growing Up as a Birder Before Birding Was Cool
David’s origin story is as unique as it is unforgettable. He often jokes that in a previous life he was a puma in the Rocky Mountains, captivated by the birds he was meant to eat. That puma, he says, died with a spark of curiosity, only to be reborn in London with an unshakable love for birds and nature. By the age of eight, David was already a walking encyclopedia of the avian world, memorizing Latin names and bird sizes in inches - something only truly passionate birders can appreciate. Like Jeff, David found his birding path as a teenager, often feeling like the odd one out. In a time before the Internet connected like-minded nature lovers, being a young birder came with its social challenges. But neither of them let that dim their passion. David recounted how his mother, initially puzzled, became quietly supportive, buying him binoculars and eventually becoming a casual birder herself.
Going Global with Urban Birding
While many naturalists stayed local, David made a bold decision nearly two decades ago to take his birding mission global. With his now-iconic “Urban Birder” platform, David writes, lectures, leads tours, and advocates for conservation in cities around the world. His mission? To remind us that nature is all around us, even in the heart of the city.
Jeff praised David's global approach and visibility, especially in the US - a rare achievement for a UK-based birder. David shared how one trip to the US led to a coast-to-coast speaking tour, all driven by a desire to spread his urban birding philosophy.
Inspiring People to go Birding
One of the most exciting parts of the conversation was David's latest children’s book, "How to Be an Urban Birder" - written from the perspective of a curious seven-year-old. It’s packed with unusual species, captivating facts, and thoughtful reflections on conservation, habitats, and climate change. David’s goal? To plant seeds of wonder in the minds of the next generation of nature lovers.
From the Global Birdfair in the UK to the Southeast Arizona Birding Festival, both Jeff and David agree: birding festivals are magical. They create a rare energy, where experts, beginners, and enthusiasts of all ages connect, learn, and share.
David also runs popular urban birding courses at the London Wetland Centre, supported by Kowa, where hundreds of participants have learned to birdwatch. Rob Wilton from Kowa UK shared his excitement about the hands-on nature of these events and the chance to introduce people to optics - many of whom had never even looked through a spotting scope before.
Exciting News!
To celebrate David’s ambassadorship, we're thrilled to introduce a limited-edition Urban Birder binocular kit, launching at the Global Birdfair! The package will include:
- Kowa YFII binoculars
- An Urban Birder branded strap and case
- David’s latest book
- A custom notepad
Perfect for beginner birders and families, this kit represents David’s and Kowa’s shared mission: making birding accessible to everyone.
David's favourites:
