Birding Tips

• Birds are almost always calling, so listen for them whenever you go outdoors.

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• When you hear a bird, stop, look and listen to pinpoint its location.

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• Look up, down and straight ahead.

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• When you’ve spotted a bird, walk slowly and quietly so you do not scare it away.

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• If you have binoculars, find the bird by keeping your eyes on it as you bring the binoculars to your eyes.

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• Ask yourself:

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• What size is it?
  It could be similar in size to a Brush Turkey, Magpie or Willy Wagtail.

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• What are the main colours you see?
  They might be on the upperparts (head, back and wings) or underparts (between throat and undertail).

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• Are there noticeable markings?
  There could be spots, barring or vertical stripes.

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• What shape is the beak?
  It could be long, short, curved, straight or hooked.

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• What is it doing?
  It might be flying, resting, feeding, preening or calling.

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• What does its call or song sound like?
  It could sound like words, a tune, a musical instrument or a machine.

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• How is it moving?
  It might be walking or hopping or if flying, it might be gliding, flapping, flitting or swooping.

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• What feature is easiest to remember?
  It might be the calls or colours or behaviour.

• If other people are watching the bird with you, make sure you don’t block their view.

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Have fun and enjoy learning about birds!

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