Kay Parkin Birding: Spring has Sprung

Saturday, October 31, 2015

Spring has Sprung

Spring is always a good time to head out into the great outdoors. There is so much to see when you really look.

Here are a few shots taken over the past month at some of my favourite local birding spots in the Adelaide Hills.

Australian Pelican

Australian Spotted Crake

Blue-billed Duck - a rare sight!

Blue-billed Duck

Crested Tern

Freckled Duck - Australia's rarest Duck

Freckled Duck

Hoary-headed Grebe

Say AAAAGGGGHHH

Purple Swamphen

The elusive Spotless Crake

Spotless Crake

Juvenile Tawny Frogmouth

Tawny Frogmouth family

Juvenile Tawny Frogmouth

Whiskered tern

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

Saturday, October 31, 2015

Spring has Sprung