Exploring Urban Nature with David Lindo
The Urban Birder Course at London Wetland Centre
“It’s like meditation. It’s like yoga. It’s like Pilates.” These were the words of renowned birding ambassador David Lindo – also known as The Urban Birder – as he welcomed participants to his inspiring Urban Birding Course at the WWT London Wetland Centre last March. Sponsored by Kowa Sporting Optics, this immersive day offered nature enthusiasts a fresh perspective on how rich and rewarding urban birdwatching can be.
Bringing Birding to the Heart of the City
Despite the city’s hustle and bustle, over 600 bird species have been recorded across the UK, and a remarkable 90% of them have been spotted in urban environments. The message? You don’t have to venture far to connect with wildlife. Birds are all around us - on rooftops, in gardens, and even soaring above our heads in the densest parts of the concrete jungle.
David Lindo has spent years advocating for the joys of birdwatching in cities. His course at the London Wetland Centre was not only informative but deeply engaging. With humour, storytelling, and plenty of challenges for the group, David revealed just how vibrant and surprising urban birdlife can be, if you only take the time to look.
A Perfect Venue: The London Wetland Centre
Nestled in the heart of London, the WWT London Wetland Centre is a tranquil retreat teeming with wildlife. Although the site originated as a series of reservoirs, its conservation importance quickly became apparent when large numbers of migratory birds began arriving. Today, it's a designated AAA site and home to over 180 bird species annually, from Common Kingfishers and Sand Martins to Eurasian Bitterns and Yellow Wagtails.
With shimmering lakes, lush grazing marshes, and peaceful viewing hides, the Centre provided the perfect backdrop for the Urban Birding Course.
Immersive Learning with the Urban Birder
The course offered a hands-on introduction to the art and science of urban birdwatching. Topics included:
- Bird Identification: Recognising common urban birds and distinguishing subtle differences between similar species.
- Optics in the Field: David emphasized the importance of high-quality binoculars, comparing old or toy-like models with premium optics - and sharing why trying before buying is essential.
- Fieldcraft: Practical advice on what to wear, how to behave in the field, and how to maximize your chances of spotting elusive birds.
- Urban Bird Migration: Understanding migratory patterns and how cities play a role.
- Finding Your Local Patch: Learning to observe, document, and care for the birdlife in your immediate surroundings.
True to his engaging style, David peppered the day with fascinating facts – from how Wrens are the only non-American member of their bird family, to the difference between rooks and crows, and even the unexpectedly boisterous song of a Cetti’s warbler.
One standout moment was when he challenged participants to name a European bird without “European” in its name – a fun and thought-provoking quiz that sparked lively discussion.
Optics That Brought the Experience to Life
To support the course and ensure every participant had the best view possible, Kowa provided a pair of YF II binoculars for each guest to use. These traditional porro-prism binoculars offer a wide field of view and multi-coated optics that minimize glare while maximizing clarity.
Easy to handle with a large, responsive focus wheel, the YF II binoculars are designed for the entire family – from young nature enthusiasts to seasoned observers. Their ergonomic design and superb value make them the ideal gateway into the world of premium optics.
Attendees also had the chance to test Kowa spotting scopes, getting a closer look at birds like the Oystercatcher, Shoveler, and even the Black Swan gliding elegantly through the water.
A Day to Remember
Although the March weather was brisk and blustery, the sun shone and spirits were high. The passion David brought to the course was infectious, and the feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Whether they were seeing Moorhens, Mute Swans, or a surprise Peregrine Falcon skirmishing with a crow, participants came away with a deeper appreciation of what it means to bird in an urban world.
We're proud to support initiatives like these that empower people to connect with the nature around them - whether in a city park, a backyard, or a hidden gem like the London Wetland Centre.
David's favourites:
