Kay Parkin Birding: Pectoral Sandpiper

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Pectoral Sandpiper

I love summer, with daylight saving it is possible to go birding after work for a few hours!! I also love summer because its WADER SEASON!!

A few hours at my local wetland this week with my mate Chris resulted in excellent views of a pair of Pectoral Sandpipers. These gorgeous birds easily identified with their coloured bills and obviously chest markings.

Do you want to start bird watching?

Birding is a great hobby and can be done easily and without much expense. You can simply go for a walk and take note of the birds you see! If you are new to birding you may not know what the birds are called so I'd suggest carrying a note book so you can make some notes on their colour, size and markings so you can then identify them when you get home.

To identify them you can use an Australian Bird Field Guide - I'd suggest Pizzey, otherwise you can use a website which has photos of Australian birds such as www.bushpea.com

You can start listing every species of bird that you see. You will be surprised at how quickly your total increases. It is so much fun and you could encourage your family and friends to join you.

You will need a pair of binoculars - 10 x 40 is a good size. I use Nikon Monarch but try them out in the shop to get a light pair that suits you.

BIRDER

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Pectoral Sandpiper