In spring 2009, an opportunity arose and I was invited by the Kuzeydoga Society to visit and work as a volunteer bird-ringer at the Aras Bird Ringing Station. That was a historical milestone achievement, as it was the first-time ever a Kenyan bird-ringer had ever ventured out there!
Aras bird ringing station, (over 4.600 kms away from my native home), was to be my next home for the entire spring season. I met and worked with other volunteers from different countries, different ethnic backgrounds, cultures, interests, hobbies, etc. But above all, the passion for birds, bird-ringing, conservation, travel and learning, was a high-riding and common-binding factor.
As a new ringer and birder at Aras, it gave me a golden opportunities learn, add new bird species both to my life-ringing and sighting lists respectively. It was a delightful moment, when I did a slideshow presentation to the participants of the 11th Bird Conference, at the KAFKAS University, Kars.
A sincere big vote of thanks goes to the entire staff of the KuzeyDoga for their longest support. To my entire all my fellow bird-ringers, Turkish families, friends and hosts, who accorded me a very warm reception and kindest hospitality, accept my heart-felt thanks.
LONG LIVE KUZEYDOGA; LONG LIVE ARAS BIRD RINGING STATION!
James Kuria NDUNG’U
Nairobi, Kenya
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