大象传媒

Dan is an ornithologist. She鈥檚 23 and from Llanelli.

A lifelong sufferer of anxiety, Dan turns to nature to calm her mind, whilst also protecting the birds and wetlands she loves.

Dan using binoculars to watch birds through the window in a hideout.

Dan鈥檚 journey

Ornithology,鈥 Dan explains, 鈥is the study of birds and how we can conserve the species by looking at their trends and their habitats.鈥

Dan first got into ornithology when she was just four years old. She wanted to look after the birds that visited her garden, so her dad used to help her build nest boxes and bird feeders for them.

I really wanted the birds to feel safe and that they had a place to feel refuge

Now, Dan鈥檚 a fully-fledged ornithologist. Her day-to-day work gets her out in nature, which helps her to manage the anxiety she's lived with since childhood.

Dan using binoculars to watch birds through the window in a hideout.
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Two birds perched on a bird feeder.

Why is ornithology important?

Dan鈥檚 work involves monitoring wildfowl, waders and sea birds around the South Wales coast and sometimes further afield.

Through observing the numbers and behaviour of different species of birds in the areas, Dan helps to assess the overall health of the colonies or locations.

Healthy wetlands are important because they play a major role in protection against environmental issues like flooding, draught and pollution. They are also home to a huge variety of wildlife.

Birds play a vital role in keeping the wetlands thriving: 鈥淲e get a sense of what鈥檚 going on in the wetlands based off the birds鈥 activity,鈥 Dan explains. Birds distribute seeds, are part of the food chain, and their migratory patterns reveal changes in climate.

Two birds perched on a bird feeder.
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A similar job to an ornithologist is a zoologist. A zoologist studies animals and their behaviour.

What to expect if you want to become a zoologist

  • Zoologist average salary: 拢18,000 to 拢48,000 per year
  • Zoologist typical working hours: 38 to 40 hours per week

What qualifications do you need to be a zoologist?

You could get into this role via a university course. You can study for a degree in a subject like zoology, animal ecology or animal behaviour. You'll need a relevant postgraduate qualification like a master's degree or PhD for some jobs, particularly in research. Having some relevant experience is important, so you could look into volunteering opportunities with specialist organisations, depending on your interest.

Sources: LMI for All, National Careers Service

This information is a guide and is constantly changing. Please check the for the latest information and all the qualifications needed.

For careers advice in all parts of the UK visit: , , and .

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