Hi Celia, what exactly do you do at Ludo Bird Club?
Hello! At
Ludo Bird Club, I'm responsible for overseeing our breeding programmes and
ensuring the maintenance of our facilities. My role involves managing the
various aspects of the breeding process, from selecting compatible pairs of
birds to monitoring their health and creating a suitable environment for
successful breeding. Additionally, I work on developing strategies to improve
breeding outcomes and collaborate with the team to ensure the birds'
well-being. It's a fulfilling role that allows me to merge my passion for
biology and animals, particularly birds, while contributing to their
conservation and understanding their genetics better.
How many
birds do you currently have at Ludo Bird Club?
Over 700.
So it’s easy to understand why I rarely have a day off. We have enough land at
our disposal to expand our facilities, but I’m afraid I can’t handle more birds
at the moment.
Was it a
hard decision to leave everything behind in England and move to the unknown
south of Spain?
Leaving
England and moving to the south of Spain was definitely a significant decision
for me, but it was one driven by my passion for animals, especially birds, and
the opportunity to work on something I truly love. The combination of pursuing
my passion and embracing a new life experience made the decision to move here
incredibly compelling and fulfilling. In England, life seemed more fast-paced,
and the cultural norms and daily routines were different. The climate was also
quite a change. The southern Spanish weather, with its warmer and drier climate
compared to England, took some time to get used to, especially during the
hotter months. Language was another hurdle. While I was familiar with Spanish,
it was still a challenge to transition from casual conversation to conducting
professional work in Spanish. And I think the Andalusian accent often times
makes it even harder. But I’m okay now.
Is there a
bird that you have or had a special bond with?
Rosa, my
adorable Rosy Bourke's Parakeet, was my personal favourite. She wasn't just a
bird in my care; she was a cool friend with a fantastic personality. She was
curious, intelligent, and seemed to enjoy our interactions as much as I did.
Our bond was built on mutual respect, trust, and understanding. Unfortunately,
she died of an unknown disease. She will always be missed.
Rosa sitting on Celia's shoulder
What’s the hardest
part of your job?
Maintaining
the health and ensuring the successful breeding of diverse bird species can be
complex. Each species has its own specific needs, behaviours, and breeding
requirements. But what I personally find the most difficult is dealing with
sick birds. I have gained quite some experience over the years, but whenever a
bird passes away I always go through hard times.
What are your hobbies outside of work?
One of my favourite hobbies is photography. Initially, I
started with macro photography, but over time, I've expanded my interest to
include bird photography, thanks to the guidance and inspiration from my
colleague, Henry. I enjoy spending time outdoors and staying active. Jogging in
the serene surroundings of the Spanish countryside helps me unwind.
What do the three bird tattoos on your shoulder symbolize?
Each bird
represents a different aspect of my life. The first bird symbolizes my roots in
England, where my passion for biology took shape. The second bird represents my
move to the south of Spain where I dedicated myself to conservation. And the
third bird, well, let’s say it has a very personal meaning that I’d rather keep
to myself (smiles mysteriously).
Celia proudly showing her tattoos
Would you like to share anything else with the readers of our blog?
Absolutely!
I would like to encourage everyone to explore and appreciate the avian
world around us. Whether it's observing birds in your backyard, supporting
conservation efforts, or learning more about these incredible creatures, every
action counts!
Check out the other members of Ludo Bird Club.