How does nature feature in your life?
I have been acutely aware of nature since childhood, particularly birds. I was known as 'Birdy D'Arcy' at school.
I spent a lot of my leisure time watching birds and drawing them, collecting feathers and wings and looking for birds' nests. Over time I began to see and appreciate the wider subject.
Nowadays I am most interested in nature in a universal sense and the relationship of humans to it and within it.
Whooper swans by Gordon D'arcy
How did you become a nature lover?
I became a nature-lover, I suppose, due primarily to an inherent empathy with nature but also due to other people who shared my interest. I have always wondered why everyone isn't interested in it!
Who inspired you?
I was inspired by certain individuals who took the time to take me on field trips to various locations and paradoxically by wildfowlers from whom I learned 'country stealth'
What is your favourite animal, plant and rock?
I try not to favour one aspect of nature over others though I naturally admire birds, particularly birds of prey.
Kestrels by Gordon D'arcy
What nature books would you recommend?
There are so many good nature books available today. BirdWatch Ireland (Spring ed. of Wings mag.) advertises a range of them.
One of my favourite books is 'The Last of the Curlews' by Fred Bodsworth. It is a fictional US publication about a bird on the edge of extinction. It has considerable relevance today
Last Of The Curlews by Fred Bosworth
What one thing can people do today to help nature?
Apart from planting a tree (which is always a good idea) I would recommend that parents (and teachers in primary schools) do something to expose children to nature 'first-hand' rather that in a virtual sense through technology.
Narture
by Gordon D’arcy
available on Amazon
The Breathing Burren
by Gordon D’arcy
available on Amazon