Sometimes, we are asked to take on some quite unusual assignments. Such as attending the Rutland Birdfair in the UK in August 2017 on behalf of SeaTrek Sailing Adventures, a cruise operator based in Indonesia, running some very unique cruises with two beautiful wooden pinisi ships. Until then, we had no idea that shows especially geared towards bird watchers exist. Let alone that there is a whole sub-industry within tour operators who specialize in offering bird watching trips.

The probably most unusal thing about this special show was the location: Rutland Water, a huge reservoir and large areas of itswetland at the western end of the lake form a nature reserve, home to several bird species found here include lapwing, coot, goldeneye, tufted duck, pochard, teal, wigeon, cormorant, great crested grebe, little grebe and, most notably, osprey, which were re-introduced to the area during 1996.

So the visitors not only stroll from stand to stand, set up directly on the grass in huge tents, they also spent hours and hour behind huge binoculars watching the birds.

Since accommodation is a rare commodity in this area, Judith’s overnight stay option was a room in a boarding school that made some extra income in the holiday months from the visitors.

Yet, the outcome of the birdfair was fairly successful: We met with several potential sales partners, generated interest in the special bird watching tours offered in Indonesia and created valuable sales leads.

The Rutland Birdfair Assignment was definitely one of the more unusual events we were asked to attend. But a very interesting experience!