February 10, 2021 – 11:55 pm
Isabel Peláez R / Reporter from El Pais
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Washington Wachira became the eyes of Kenya, his country, from the age of 14, since he began to record wildlife with his camera, study it and fight for its conservation.
A scholar of environmental science and animal ecology, trained in ornithology and herpetology, he is a member of the Association of Professional Safari Guides of Kenya and a leader of research initiatives, conservation, as well as trips and bird-watching expeditions throughout eastern Africa.
Co-author of the Dakatcha Woodland Bird Guide, he made the first checklists for the birds of the Eburu Forest and Kenyatta University, where he founded the Kenyatta University Birding Club. He worked with the Ornithology Section of the National Museums of Kenya and is a National Geographic Explorer, thanks to his work with African crowned eagles. In 2016 he was awarded the African Sustainable Tourism Fellowship Award.
Washington Wachira became the eyes of Kenya, his country, from the age of 14.
Washington Wachira / Specials for birdfair and El País
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He has photographed around 900 species of birds in East Africa. He is one of the guests at Colombia Birdfair, which begins today and will be broadcast virtually through www.colombiabirdfair.com
What first image did you capture with your camera?
I always wanted to take pictures of elephants in their habitat, it is my favorite animal. Over time I got to know more about birds and reptiles and I loved them all. Today I photograph all the animals I know.
How did you get involved with safaris?
The first safaris I did were prizes after I won wildlife photography contests in high school. I found safari life to be fun and exciting, I love this job. In college I organized outings for my fellow students and helped local campus clubs with activity planning and these became businesses: Cisticola Tours LTD and Bovid Africa Safaris.
See also: The 20 postcards that portray the beauty of the Colombian wetlands
How do safaris help protect nature?
With some funds we get from our safaris we contribute to environmental restoration projects such as tree planting and wetland restoration, and we fund research and conservation of threatened wildlife. In each safari we hire a member of the community, thus raising the economy of these guides and they become ambassadors of conservation. The shelters where we sleep provide work for the communities that stop doing harmful tasks such as burning coal.
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Washington Wachira / Specials for birdfair and El País
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Washington Wachira / Specials for birdfair and El País
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What is the most beautiful landscape you have photographed?
The arid north of Kenya with sandy and rocky deserts and dry scrub. There are very special and beautiful animals there, such as the Gerenuk, the reticulated giraffe, the oryx beisa (antelope) and the Grévy’s zebra or royal zebra.
What species has it helped to preserve?
I have spent many years researching African crowned eagles and it has served to raise awareness of the conservation efforts needed for this species in urban forests.
What are the threats to birds in Africa?
Loss of habitat, poaching, poisoning and illegal trade in birds (parrots).
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Washington Wachira / Specials for birdfair and El País
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Washington Wachira / Specials for birdfair and El País
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What do you need to know about birds to get a good picture of them?
Know their behavior and habitat, to know where to go, what to expect and how to get the best photos. This will make each photographic expedition more rewarding, because you learn something new.
Which bird has surprised you and why?
The Hamerkop. He eats frogs, collects them alive from the water, then places them on the river bank and goes back to hunting more. Before I catch the second, the first returns to the water. After a long day of hunting, only eat one, the last one.
Be sure to see: Tenerife, the paradise of the wax palm in Valle del Cauca
What is your best photograph of a bird?
I really enjoyed the one of two peregrine falcons mating in front of me one day when I had not brought my big camera and was exploring a waterfall with friends, when I saw the male fly. I had seen the female perch on a branch and when I turned in that direction I saw the action, although my little camera could not get the super photo I would have wanted, I was very happy about the rare sighting.
What does Colombia contribute to the preservation of birds?
It is home to the greatest diversity of bird species in the world. In order for them to remain safe, they have guaranteed conservation and sustainable use programs, ecotourism projects, Colombia is the epicenter of bird conservation worldwide.
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Washington Wachira / Specials for birdfair and El País
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Colombia Birdfair
This seventh version will feature international experts:
Purnima Devi Barman, Conservationist in Asia; Stuart Butchart, Scientific Director of BirdLife International; Natalia Ocampo Peñuela, doctor in conservation ecology; Stuart Pimm, leader in the study of extinctions; Jennifer Ackerman, bird watcher and writer Carolina Murcia, a biologist from Universidad del Valle, with a master’s degree and Ph.D. in tropical ecology and conservation from the University of Florida; María Ángela Echeverry-Galvis, biologist from La Javeriana, with a master’s and doctorate from Princeton University and a post-doctorate from the Max Planck Institute of Ornithology Radolfzell; Pablo García Borboroglu, founder and president of the Global Penguin Society; Ana María Morales, a wildlife biologist at Arkansas Tech University; Josep del Hoyo Calduch, founder and director of Lynx Edicions; David Lindo, conservationist and bird watching guide; Kenn Kaufman or Phil Gregory, conservationists, and LoraKim Joyness, an expert on the conservation of threatened tropical parrots.
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