Getting a really great look at a pair of Rhinoceros Hornbills on the Kingabatangan River in Borneo. The encounter was part of a larger, multi-day safari in which I got to see some amazing wildlife as soon as I landed in the jungle.

I was fortunate enough to glimpse some gorgeous birds alongside pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, orangutangs and crocodiles - all members of Borneo’s ‘Big 5’ checklist. The rhino hornbill however, which rounded out that collection, had eluded me for days.

It wasn’t until my very last river cruise that my savvy guide heard their call and brought us over to observe two of the iconic birds casually hanging out on exposed branch before eventually taking flight. The sighting was a bucket list moment and finished off an incredible trip.

I’ve only become aware of the breathtaking Himalayan Monal in recent times and I can’t get them out of my head so I think a trip to Nepal that married some awesome hiking with a monal sighting would be a pretty sweet gig.

Those birds are loved for obvious reasons and getting to see a male in all their colourful glory while hitting some stunning trails would be the stuff of dreams. I might have to try and squeeze this fantasy holiday into an off-season soon. Let me get that ticket pronto please!

Personally, birding has enriched my relationship with the world around me and informed a growing passion for conservation. I think I’ve always been quite aware of how lucky I am to be living on Dharug land and to spend time along the Nepean or in the Blue Mountains, but becoming familiar with the birds, among other precious wildlife, that I share this home with has added layers to that understanding and sense of connection.

Taking up this hobby in my days off training and after games and spending more time outside among feathered friends has made me feel even prouder to be where I’m from and has continually reinforced how important it is to protect these guys and their habitat.