We asked several of our writers the same questions. Here are the answers to the one above.

—

I’ve found a really good way of birding early in the morning when we are on vacation. I sneak out at sunrise and meet the rest of the family at breakfast (Peter Hinow).

—

My wife knew I was a birdwatcher before she married me, so she doesn’t complain too often (David Tomlinson)

—

Go birding (Peter Penning).

—

Something like this has never happened. My current wife met me when I was working as a birdwatching guide and tour operator. So, it was a case of “what you see is what you get”(Rolf Nessing).

—

Being the only birding member of the family, I take it in stride and sneak in „secret birding“ – luring them to birdy areas, claiming I want to see a specific touristy attraction there (Jochen Roeder).

—

Now this is a tough one… I do try and honour any commitments, and I do try to be a better person and do household chores to earn my passes out. It’s often tough when the mega alert goes off (John Hague).

—

I listen carefully, agree that she has a point, and then casually mention the birding trip I am planning for next month. No, seriously, she is the one who plans our birding trips and suggests places we should go next (Fitzroy Rampersand).

—

My partner does not complain about this hobby but refuses to join.  Or so he says.  Over time I have noticed that he takes great pride in spotting the bird before I do.  No binoculars, however, will ever go around his neck (Mary Alice Hayward).

—

I’m fortunate; my husband enjoys birding and hiking too. On the days I head out for a longer birding adventure, he usually has a golf tee time waiting (Kelly Isley).

—

In our case, our fondness for birds has been at the heart of some very collaborative artistic moments, like creating a bird haiku together while waking up (or moments after waking up). On a more general note, however, we think the importance of balancing quality time together with each person also tending to their own interests is a worthy discussion to be had proactively in a relationship. (Rhea Alaudra).

Photo: Common Tern, Chongming Dongtan, July 2026