UK & International Bird Guide
John HagueA Yorkshireman now based in Leicestershire, I’ve been birding in the UK and around the World for more than 50 years. Subject to availability, you can hire me by the day at very reasonable rates. Longer tours can be arranged by appointment.
Teaching &communication
Editorial & copywriting
TV & radio appearances
Public speaking & training
Organisation & management
John Hague
Freelance Bird Guide
I’ve had a passion for birds from a very early age. Since moving to Leicestershire in 1993 I’ve been an active committe member of the Leicestershire & Rutland Ornithological Society (LROS), including being the newsletter editor and chief features writer. I’ve also served on the Rarities Committee.
As an experienced mental health nurse I’m an effective communicator with a strong background in birding, having contributed extensively to local and international birding communities.
I have recently set up my own bird guiding business, Shrike Birding Tours
Experience
Professional
Mental Health Nurse
- 30 years with the NHS
- Provided mental health care and support to patents
- Managed teams and services, focusing on early intervention in psychosis and specialist child and adolescent mental health
Team Manager
Led a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive care for patients experiencing first episodes of psychosis.
Family Services Manager
Oversaw family services, ensuring the delivery of specialised mental health support to children and adolescents.
NHS Counter Fraud and Security Management service
Developed a prevention and management of violence and aggression teaching package as part of a specialised task force.
Teaching and Communication
- Developed and delivered training on the prevention and management of violence and aggression.
- Presented at the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Congress.
- Conducted risk management training sessions.
Ornithological
Birdwatching
Over 50 years birding experience.
Extensive birding travel in the Western Palearctic, Kenya, British Columbia, New York City, Singapore and New Zealand.
Planned and arranged personal birding itineraries and consulted with local birders.
Contributions to Birding
- Found and co-found numerous rare and scarce birds in Britain and locally in Leicestershire and Rutland.
- Serve on the committee of LROS.
- News letter editor for The Grebe.
- Former member of the LROS Rarities Committee.
- Promoted LROS as Birdfair and engaged with the public.
Birding Tours and Media
- Led birding tours and experiences, in cluding guiding The Urban Birder, David Lindo, in Leicester.
- Featured as an expert on BBC Midlands Today discussing wintering short-eared owls.
- Regular contributor to Bill Buckley’s Radio Leicester show.
Productions and Workshops
- Delivered talks and workshops at Birdfair on phonescoping.
- Written articles for Birdwatch and Bird Watching magazines, including articles on best days with British birds and birding locations in the East midlands.
Skills
- Ornithology and birding
- Planning and organising birding itineraries
- Public speaking and teaching
- Writing and editing
- Mental health nursing
- Team management
- Violence and aggression management
- Risk management
Testimonials
After having had an operation on my ankle in September 2023,and being left non-weight bearing for a few months, I was struggling to get out and about.
John was instrumental in getting me out and doing one of the things I love doing – birdwatching.
He put in a lot of effort to research suitable sites which had wheelchair accessibility and facilities, giving the best opportunities for a good day’s birdwatching. He would come and pick me up, making sure I had everything I would need before setting off for a day out birding.
Thanks John for your patience and making what was a difficult time for me much more enjoyable.
John is a natural people-person and he made bird watching a relaxed, fun and informative experience.
With his experienced eyes and ears plus his excellent local knowledge, we had a wonderful day to remember on the Nene Washes.
I had a wonderful morning out birding with John. His knowledge and experience was evident from the off not to mention the enthusiasm he has for the subject matter.
John was very patient, taking the time to inform and to set up the scope to view different birds.
We visited a great location and I was delighted with the birds on show.
I thoroughly recommend going out an a bird watching tour with John, you will not be disappointed.
Contact
Please contact me if you would like to chat about freelance bird guiding opportunities.
Telephone: 07766 113346
Email: john@shrikebirdingtours.com