094 | YOUNGEST BIRD & BIRDER FRIENDLY AWARDEE

94

YOUNGEST BIRD & BIRDER FRIENDLY AWARDEE

Luca Usieto

Photos and text by Stefan Rust

2013

(In terms of the Geneva Convention the copyright of these texts belongs to Stefan Rust)

It was a highlight rewarding Luca Usieto and his family with a two penguin-rated bird & Birder Friendly Award for their efforts in supporting their garden birds in Ludwigsdorf, Windhoek, with a by BirdsConTour supplied Wild Bird Support Station.

Although this is not unusual and almost routine work, this occasion was of a particular highlight in that Luca is only seven years young. This qualification handed to him on the 17^th of June catapulted Luca Usieto right onto the top of being Namibia’s youngest Bird & Birder Friendly Award recipient.

Asking this seven year old boy about birds and birdlife, he has many interesting stories and facts to tell and while talking a tiny bird flies into the bird friendly garden and settles close to him on a branch when he pauses and says: “Dies ist der Buntastrild.” (This is the Green-winged Pytilia)

Asking his parents who triggered Luca’s interest in birds, they don’t know. Fact is that Luca infected his whole family with his interest in birdlife and by now birding is a family thing.

Soon Luca will join the BirdsConTour program “Young Birders”. This program offers young people birdlife activities.

Given the success of Luca, BirdsConTour look forward to reward even more children and having them joining “Young Birders”.

Congratulation to Namibia’s youngest Bird & Birder Friendly awardee, Luca Usieto!