“The joy of hunting treasures all around the world” Bird guide, bird surveyor, Yu Ota

Mr. Yu Ota lives in Atherton, Queensland, which is renowned for its rainforest and wildlife, and works as bird guide and bird surveyor. He speaks about what led him to this vocation, about leading a team in his current survey of grasswren birds, and what fascinates him in bird watching.

Source: Yu Ota

Mr. Ota has been working guiding birdwatchers, and assisting research as a bird surveyor for many years. One of the surveys he has engaged in is about grasswren, which have recently been listed as endangered species, according to Mr.Ota.

Source: Yu Ota

Source: Yu Ota

What fascinates Mr.Ota about bird-watching? “It is like treasure-hunting” he replies.  He uses large aircraft, Cessnas, and helicopters to observe black grasswren, which inhabit extremely remote areas. “The bird is not a colourful or flashy one…” he says “… [ and ] as I start thinking why we go through all this just to watch the bird, it gradually makes me laugh!”

Source: Yu Ota

It is like hunting treasures hidden all over the world and uncovering them.

Source: Yu Ota

Listen to SBS Japanese Radio on Tue, Thu and Sat from 10pm

You can listen to our past stories from our podcast

And don't forget to visit SBS Japanese Facebook page!