Trailblazers

The Bird Lady
Hanne Eriksen

Age: 45

Nationality: Danish

Countries lived in as an adult: Denmark, USA, Sultanate of Oman

Qualifications: Degree in English and German Business Language

Career Path: After two secretarial jobs in Denmark, Hanne moved to Oman with her husband, with a secretarial job lined up at Sultan Qaboos University. After four years in the Omani work force, Hanne followed her passion for nature and became a wildlife photographer.

When Hanne Eriksen was invited to give a talk to the Women's Guild in Muscat about birdlife in Oman last year, she stood in front of 120 well-dressed women thinking, 'How can I open their eyes to the beauty of nature?' Her sometimes 'rather scruffy life with wildlife' seemed a far cry from those of her audience, after all. The answer, it turned out, was simple: her enthusiasm carried her away and when in the following weeks people stopped her to say, 'I must tell you about my sparrows at home', Hanne realised her talk had been a success.

Hanne has successfully turned a passionate pastime into a fulfilling career, and when listening to her talk about nature, it is obvious that she made the right choice. Over the past ten years, Hanne has expanded her fervour for bird watching into a career in wildlife photography, promoting it with her husband, through publications and talks. 'I am often referred to as the 'bird lady' if people can't remember my name,' laughs Hanne.

Developing as a fully-fledged professional however, has not involved the tedious day-to-day repetition that many 'office jobs' bring for Hanne. In fact, when asked to describe a typical day, she simply laughs, claiming that there is no such thing. Some days are spent meeting with publishers, school children, or bird watchers; others are spent in the office sorting, mounting, and computerising wildlife images. Hanne's favourite days are those when she gets up at 3.30am to capture birds through a camera lens. 'It is such a wonderful feeling waking up with nature,' she proclaims. 'The sounds, the smells, the light are all intense and impressive.'

If anyone questions the extent of Hanne's talent, she has awards to prove it. Under the encouragement of her supportive husband, Jens, Hanne entered and won the competition for Best Bird Picture of the Year sponsored by British Birds magazine, just eight weeks after she had started professionally photographing birds. Being the first woman, first non-Briton, and the first to win two years in a row was no small feat. Hanne & Jens' sumptuously Illustrated book, Birdlife in Oman, was voted 4th in the Best Bird Book of the Year 2000.

Jens is not only Hanne's supportive life companion, but a close collaborator. This means that no idea is overlooked, as both bring in different aspects to their work. 'If we didn't share the same interest,' she comments, 'We might never see each other.' The cultural differences of expatriate life in Oman are one of the most rewarding aspects for Hanne. With her desire to show people what she sees in nature, Hanne breaks through nationality barriers. 'Pictures of course, reach across different cultures,' she explains.

Ten years down the road, Hanne does not look back on the decisions she has made. She loves her career, and continues to enjoy life as an expatriate. She'd advise anyone to try living abroad if given the opportunity. 'You can always return to your old lifestyle,' she says, 'And you'll be one experience richer than before.' Thanks to her decision to follow her passion, Hanne's future is unlimited. 'I feel I have spread my wings,' she says 'And I am in the process of flying to unknown heights.'

Birdlife in Oman can be ordered through Al Roya Publishing, PO Box 343, PC 118, Al Harthy Complex, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman for £49.95; contact Hanne at email hjoman@omantel.net.om or http://www.birdsoman.com

Michelle Reese