Bird watching is one of those calming and interesting activities one can engage in during their camping adventure. You get to learn the different bird species found in different parts of Australia and their characteristics as well. Bird watching specifically in Australia has a different vibe to it because of its exotic and captivating bird species found in the country. The best part is that you get to see them in their natural habitats. If you are a beginner at this and are interested in taking part in the activity during your camping stay, we have come up with a bird watching beginners guide that will help you get started the right way.
Start with feeding Rainbow Lorikeets and Scaley Breasted Lorikeets at Murphys Creek Escape
If you are looking for a unique campground offering numerous amounts of Australian bush bird species to photograph then this is your must visit! Bring the kids for a hands on bird feeding experience with the local birds calling the campgrounds home. There are a big flock of Rainbow Lorikeets and Scaley Breasted Lorikeets that are around for daily feeding. You will also find plenty of other birds around whilst hiking and exploring. You will not be disappointed and nor will your kids be. Make your next camp experience in South East Queensland one to remember and start your bird watching hobby with us.
Get yourself a bird watching book/field guide
One of the most important things you can get yourself as a bird watcher is a field guide. These guides contain and illustrate all the information you need to know about the different species such as their habitats, their calls and habits, bird families, bird watching tips and much more. These guides are much more than just pictures or drawings; they are also learning tools. Luckily in Australia one can find a wide range of these books at different prices. Examples of these guides include;
- Regional Field Guide to Birds by Pizzey et. al – a small, compact option for those who want to start small, these guides cover Australia in discrete sections
- Field Guide to the Birds of Australia by Simpson & Day – a superbly illustrated book covering every species in Australia, with compact text accounts and distribution maps
- The Field Guide to the Birds of Australia by Pizzey et. al – the full version of the regional field guides, Pizzey has been a favourite amongst Australian birders for many years
- The Australian Bird Guide by Menkhorst et. al – the newest and most comprehensive Australian field guide ever produced! In production for over a 10 years, the authors and illustrators are well-respected birdwatchers, with decades of experience under their belts
Join a bird watching club
Being part of a club gives you the opportunity to learn from other members, allows you to participate in various group activities, visit popular sites as a group and build friendships with people who have similar interests. There are many bird watching clubs in Australia that cater for individuals with different levels of bird watching experience.Some of these clubs include; BirdLife Australia, Australian Bird Study Association Inc (ABSA), Birds SA (South Australia), Birdwatchers of Hervey Bay just to name a few.
Purchase any necessary equipment
A key equipment one should have or consider getting are binoculars. These come in handy when you spot a bird that’s at a distance without necessarily getting too close which might scare them away plus it might be your only shot to get to see the bird. Before buying, ensure you ask around from experienced birders or your bird club. It is also important to have a notebook and pen with you for compiling checklists of the birds you have spotted, making notes or drawing sketches. Another thing to keep in mind is bird watching being an outdoor activity, ensure you have the right dress code. Avoid wearing brightly coloured clothes as it may scare away the birds. You could also wear a hat and sunscreen to shield you from the sun and appropriate comfortable walking shoes.
Download Smartphone apps
In addition to getting the field guides, you can download the available fully electronic bird guides on your phone which is quite convenient if you don’t want to carry the books to the field. These available apps are Michael Morcombe’s ‘Birds of Australia’ and the Pizzey and Knights ‘Birds of Australia’. The apps have amazing features such as illustrations, bird calls and breeding behavior.
Familiarise yourself with the bird calls
Bird watching also consists of listening to their calls. As you gain experience, you will be able to identify the different calls for the different species in your area. Some birds can be heard but not easily seen. You can use the apps available or even do some research on YouTube to identify yourself with some bird calls and songs. It is important to note that it is advised to avoid call playback as it can distress the birds disrupting feeding and breeding activity.
In conclusion, the welfare of birds always comes first. There are some ethical guidelines all bird watchers have to adhere to in order to keep the birds and their habitats safe. I hope this article has spiked your interest even more to take up this activity when you go out for camping and if so, make sure to visit us at Murphy’s Creek Escape for this and much more.