Chris is the secretary of the BOU Records Committee (BOURC). He developed a diverse interest in birds from an early age and as well as a natural enthusiasm for rarities, he is a trained ringer and has enjoyed roles as both local bird recorder and report editor. Whilst graduating in Ecology at the University of East Anglia he worked for Rare Bird Alert where nearly thirty years of service have given him a sound knowledge of the British birding scene that, alongside a wide range of identification interests, was recognised by his election to the British Birds Rarities Committee on which he served for twelve years.