Kay Parkin Birding: South Australia birding

Monday, June 19, 2017

South Australia birding - Mallee and Coast

South Australia has a variety of great habitats. My favourites are arid areas of saltbush and bluebush with Mallee, like Monarto Conservation Park and further north around Brookfield Conservation Park and Gluepot. I also love coastal areas, like the Coorong as well as north, around Port Wakefield.

I've only been out a few times recently but have seen some nice birds and will add a few photos for you to enjoy.

Curlew Sandpiper in breeding plumage

Double-banded Plovers

The angelic Fairy Tern

Yellow-billed Spoonbill

Australian Hobby hunting

Diamond Firetail - jewel of the Mallee

White-wing Chough have a gorgeous red eye

Tree Martin

The elusive Painted Button-quail

This mornings Mallee sunrise

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

Monday, June 19, 2017

South Australia birding - Mallee and Coast