Alan J. Salter
Photographer
Phone:
+639088969013
Email:
Address:
Date of Birth:
September 23, 1953
ABOUT ME
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My name is Alan Salter. I am from England in the UK and my interest in the natural world began in 1965 at the age of 12, initially through fishing in the beautiful countryside on the edge of Exeter City where I was born. The river and stream there were both teeming with wildlife which led me to becoming a birdwatcher and eventually taking up an interest in wildlife in general, especially plants. From my early 30's onwards I joined several groups, bird watching, fungi, botany, bats, butterflies and moths and bought many books on the subjects. I am indebted to so many people from these groups including my son Michael who accompanied me on several outings. This learning has helped me progress to where I am today. I also worked as a contract bird surveyor (Research Scientist) for the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) for 15 years and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) for 2 years. It was hard work but very enjoyable.
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I moved to the Philippines in June 2023 to meet my now, wife and sometimes birding companion Gina and we lived in Sulop, Davao del Sur, Mindanao where almost immediately I discovered an excellent birding site not far from the house. The rice fields there have given me some great birds and still do. I also made a connection with another English birder Pete Simpson in Davao City and through him joined ebird to record my sightings. I also bought an excellent bird book, 'Birds of the Philippines' by Desmond Allen.
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In 2024, I spent more time identifying plants using the free app PlantNet and many of my plants were identified using this app. I also joined the online site iNaturalist to identify other wildlife through photography, mainly via my android phone. At the beginning of 2025, birding took over again and what a year it was. Now living in Digos City, Davao del Sur, Mindanao and owning a bicycle I found some wonderful birding sites and all within easy reach of the city. On top of that I have also found new birding friends, another Englishman and some Filipinos. I am very optimistic for the future and hope others can share that with me.
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Please feel free to email me alan.salter@bto.org with suggestions or comments on any photos.