Kay Parkin Birding: Gluepot Reserve and Laratinga Wetland

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Gluepot Reserve and Laratinga Wetland

I went to Gluepot Reserve on the weekend with a friend. After a foggy morning we were blessed with a sunny day enjoying some lovely birds.

Horsfield's Bronze-cuckoo

Pallid Cuckoo

Varied Sitella

Native termites eating old growth mallee

Yellow-throated Miner

Gilbert's Whistler

Today I decided to go out to a local wetland. It was cold and overcast but I was rewarded with enjoyable views of a few nice species of duck as well as catching up with an old friend.

Australasian Shoveler

Freckled Duck

Pink-eared Duck

Was happy to manage three species in one photo!

The little poser!!

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, August 19, 2015

Gluepot Reserve and Laratinga Wetland