Hello from Toby

There is a new face about the reserve, in the form of Toby. Yes, I know our warden is called Toby, but this is another one. What are the chances? Anyway, I'd best let him introduce himself...

----------------------------------------------------

Hello everyone, as the new Volunteer Visitor Experience Intern I thought I’d take this opportunity to introduce myself plus let you guys know a little bit about me.

My name is Toby Carter, currently in my 1^st year studying Environmental Conservation at Bangor University. The natural world has always been my passion with the main focus being our feathered friends; birds. When I was 5 years old my grandparents took me to RSPB Titchwell Marsh where a family event was on this included activities such as colouring in, bug hunting, pond dipping and of course birdwatching. Unlike the other kids the birds I was colouring in had to be the correct colours in the right areas, none of these canary-coloured blue tits or blood red dunnocks. That was the day that sparked the enjoyment of the natural world.

Since that day 14 years ago (you can work out my age from that ) my passion has grown rapidly, not just for birds which but also for other taxa such as moths, butterflies, dragon and damselflies. As I’ve said, birding is very much my main passion which has progressed into the crazy term of ‘twitching’, for those who don’t know twitchers (some but not all) will do anything they can to try and see birds, mainly those that are rare. An example would be flying to and from the Scilly Isles in a day just to watch a rare American warbler. After many years of doing this I have seen 342 species in the UK, hopefully this number will be added to whilst I spend the summer here at Frampton Marsh and fingers crossed I’ll be the one finding those rarities that bring the hordes of twitchers.

Why have I become an intern here at RSPB Frampton Marsh?

The birding is excellent! Of course, that isn’t the main reason, Frampton Marsh has quickly become one of the RSPB’s most well-known reserves due to its diverse habitats and wide range of flora and fauna. To be part of this, working with a dedicated team, I’ll learn loads of new skills which will help to boost me into a future career working hopefully in the environmental sector.

Over the coming weeks of summer, I shall be writing a weekly report called ‘Toby’s Tales’. Where I’ll share my weekly events.