Spark: A blog by M.G. Leonard

The Twitchers adventures were inspired by the boys and girls I met at Beetle Boy events who loved insects and were also passionate about birds. I was frequently asked if I could write a book about a birdwatcher, but I wasn’t sure that I could, not being a birdspotter myself. However, I was curious, and so I bought a pair of binoculars.

In writing Spark and before it Twitch, I learned so much about birds. It has dramatically enriched my life and changed the way I experience the seasons. Birdwatching is a seasonal hobby, which is why I plan to write four books in the series. Spring brings courting, mating, nesting and laying. The summer is a time for feeding, growing and fledging. The autumn heralds migration and change. Winter is a time for survival, and is actually the best time to become a birdwatcher because there are fewer birds and they are easier to recognise.

When reading The Twitchers' adventures, I hope the seasons and their birds are evoked in the imaginations of those devouring the words. After you’ve read Spark, I proscribe nature walks where conkers are collected, the changing colours of leaves observed and migrating birds are spotted.

I love stories where the reader is connected to nature through the power of storytelling, but often I find these are solo journeys, perhaps with an animal companion. The Secret Garden was the story that changed me and sparked an interest in nature. What I loved about it so much was the friendship between Mary, Colin and Dickon. They were such misfits but they found joy in each other’s company and the garden. This is one of the reasons I place friendship at the heart of The Twitchers adventures. Nothing is more glorious and important than feeling connected to the outdoors and enjoying it with friends. 

The title of Spark is taken from the birdwatching phrase ‘Spark Bird’, which is the bird that you see that begins your lifelong passion for spotting more. I didn’t understand the concept until I saw my own spark, a kingfisher, in Cromwell Bottom nature reserve in Yorkshire in 2019. Something happened to me in that moment which changed how I saw the whole world, and I was keen to share that experience in the book. We aren't all born loving birds, there's a magic moment when it happens. Jack, the protagonist of this story, struggles with identifying birds and keeping up with his friends, but everything changes when he encounters an incredibly rare and special bird. He will never be the same again. Have you seen your spark bird yet? If not, I wonder what it will be.

Discover M.G. Leonards book Spark by M.G. Leonard published by Walker Books...