What is your favorite bird species?
My favorite family of birds are the Shrikes and I haven’t seen one I don’t like but Red-backed Shrike is a real stunner and was the inspiration behind my website (first photo: Paul Hackett, all others by John Hague).
What is your name, and where do you live?
My name is John Hague and I now live in Leicester. I’m originally from Yorkshire but moved here 30-odd years ago.
What are the main regions or locations you cover as a bird guide?
The main regions would be the East Midlands, East Anglia, Lincolnshire, and Yorkshire. We have some great locations a few hours’ drive from home for wintering Hen Harrier, Marsh Harrier, and Common Crane roosts, migration hotspots for scarce vagrants. Spring specialties include Nightingale, Stone Curlew, Redstart, and Pied Flycatcher.
How long have you been a bird guide?
10 years or so but I recently retired after 31 years in the National Health Service so I can dedicate myself to birding.
Wood Warbler
How did you get into bird guiding?
I had always enjoyed taking people birding and showing them birds but I guess David Lindo, the Urban Birder got me started by arranging a day for him around Leicester City to appreciate what urban birds we get. I joined Birding Pal after this and have shown people from around the World our special birds.
What are the aspects of being a bird guide that you like best? Which aspects do you dislike most?
I love meeting people and sharing special moments with them. I can’t think of a better job.
I suppose if a client has asked to see a specific bird and we can’t find it I feel bad for them and I feel I have let them down a bit. Birds are birds though and weather and time of year can be an issue. Nothing is guaranteed in the natural world.
What are the top 5-10 birds in your region that you think are the most interesting for visiting birders?
Long-eared Owl, Hen Harrier, Common Crane, Dipper, Hawfinch, Nightingale, Little Owl, Short-eared Owl, Wood Warbler and Nightjar. All birds are special though, aren’t they? Someone from America might be blown away by our Blue Tit but we never give them a second look half the time.
Can you outline at least one typical birdwatching trip in your area? Please briefly describe the locations, the key birds, and the approximate duration of such a trip
I can cover the UK, most of my trips are bespoke and I plan around an individual’s needs. I have arranged trips for people with mobility issues, and people who want either to see a few of the UK’s special birds, as well arranging trips for birders from overseas to see species like Little Owl (not easy to find these days). I do also offer experience days and half days which are popular. These trips are to the Fens for winter birds like wild Swans, Harrier, Common Crane roosts, and wintering Owls.
A Spring trip to Breckland for Stone Curlew, Woodlark, and Firecrest are super and a nighttime trip to see and hear churring Nightjar and displaying Woodcock are popular.
What other suggestions can you give to birders interested in your area?
In the UK you can expect four seasons in one day so dress sensibly. Binoculars and spotting scope are useful but I do have spares that guests can use. July is often the quietest month but there’s always something to see with returning waders (shorebirds) often in stunning breeding plumage being the best. Birding in the UK really is a year-round thing with something different in every season.
Little Gull
If any reader of 10,000 Birds is interested in birding with you, how can they best contact you?
Please have a look at my website https://shrikebirdingtours.com/ or drop me an email at [email protected]
Is there anything else you would like to share with the readers of 10,000 Birds?
I am passionate about showing people how to phonescope birds and unlocking the potential of their smartphones.
As a mental health nurse, I also offer birding and mindful birding experiences to help people improve their mental health and well-being.
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