Striated pardalote. Photos: Sue Woolley By Sue Woolley
OUTSIDE our four walls is a wonderland of nature constantly enticing me. I walk daily in the local Wonthaggi area, and make the walk more interesting and fun by counting and recording the birds along the way, enjoying their antics and looking out for those elusive less common birds. Exercise for the body and the mind!
It’s a fascinating and rewarding hobby that involves quite a bit of detective work. First, you need to look for birds and then try to recognise them from their shape, size and colour. You will be surprised how many birds you already know, such as kookaburras, galahs, fairy wrens, rainbow lorikeets, blackbirds, cockatoos and robins.
OUTSIDE our four walls is a wonderland of nature constantly enticing me. I walk daily in the local Wonthaggi area, and make the walk more interesting and fun by counting and recording the birds along the way, enjoying their antics and looking out for those elusive less common birds. Exercise for the body and the mind!
It’s a fascinating and rewarding hobby that involves quite a bit of detective work. First, you need to look for birds and then try to recognise them from their shape, size and colour. You will be surprised how many birds you already know, such as kookaburras, galahs, fairy wrens, rainbow lorikeets, blackbirds, cockatoos and robins.
| Once you can recognise quite a few local birds, you can start listening for bird calls and try to match them with a bird you can see. I know a few calls, but the majority of them still elude me. If you don’t have access to experienced birdwatchers to help with identification, for example in the local BirdLife Bass Coast group, there are lots of books, internet resources and apps that can help. To celebrate Bird Week, BirdLife Bass Coast is running a beginners’ birding outing in the Wonthaggi Wetlands Reserve on October 16. There will be experienced birdwatchers attending to assist participants to identify some of the more than 100 species that have been recorded in the reserve. This can start you on the journey of learning about our birds, as it did for me some years ago. All are welcome. Interested children may attend but must be accompanied by a responsible adult. It is also an opportunity to meet other people who enjoy the outdoors. |  Purple swamp hen  Chestnut teal ducks |
Meet at the Wonthaggi Wetlands Reserve car park in South Dudley Road at 10am. Bring binoculars if you have them, wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Bookings essential at basscoast@birdlife.org.au. Please pass the word around!
We will confirm your booking by email and send a reminder in the week before the outing.
We will confirm your booking by email and send a reminder in the week before the outing.
Oct 18-24
Aussie Backyard Bird Count
If you already know a few birds by sight, consider joining the Aussie Backyard Bird Count.
Each October, BirdLife Australia asks people to count how many birds they see within a 20-minute period in their backyard, local park or favourite outdoor space. This is Australia‘s largest annual citizen science event, providing a snapshot at the same time each year, allowing them to look at trends in our bird communities.
The data that is collected ultimately informs BirdLife Australia's research and conservation teams about where to direct their efforts, and shows trends in local bird populations. Birds are a barometer of the health of the environment, so collecting this data is incredibly important to all of us.
Please consider taking part and doing as many surveys in your local area as possible. Register as a bird counter at aussiebirdcount.org.au.
Aussie Backyard Bird Count
If you already know a few birds by sight, consider joining the Aussie Backyard Bird Count.
Each October, BirdLife Australia asks people to count how many birds they see within a 20-minute period in their backyard, local park or favourite outdoor space. This is Australia‘s largest annual citizen science event, providing a snapshot at the same time each year, allowing them to look at trends in our bird communities.
The data that is collected ultimately informs BirdLife Australia's research and conservation teams about where to direct their efforts, and shows trends in local bird populations. Birds are a barometer of the health of the environment, so collecting this data is incredibly important to all of us.
Please consider taking part and doing as many surveys in your local area as possible. Register as a bird counter at aussiebirdcount.org.au.