Kay Parkin Birding: Summer Owling fun!

Saturday, February 1, 2014

Summer Owling fun!

What do you do when you are experiencing the hottest summer on record? When the days are well over 40C and the nights over 25C to can be too hot to go birding.. Well we make the most of it and go Owling instead!

This weekend Chris and I went out with Mike and Lisa for about 5 hrs and came across 14 Barn Owls, a few Tawny Frogmouths and one Boobook. Along with a few Stubble Quail. Some of the Barn Owls allowed for very close viewing.

Stubble Quail

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, February 1, 2014

Summer Owling fun!