THINK of yourself as a bit an eagle-eye when it comes to spotting birds?
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You might like to sink you talons into this month’s BirdLife Australia challenge.
BirdLife Australia’s annual Twitchathon, a race to see how many different species of birds can be spotted in 24-hours,12-hours or three-hours, will take place from October 28 to 29.
Birds are most active in October making it the best time for birdwatchers or twitchers to be out and about.
Birdwatchers across the country will head out into swamps, beaches, gardens and even sewage ponds to see as many different birds as they can.
Tips for snapping a top shot
Vincentia-based Nature photographer Maree Clout from Jervis Bay Through My Eyes shares a few pointers on how to get a good bird photo.
- Try and get a zoom lens, 100mm to 400mm or even higher if you have the money.
- The main thing is to sit and be quiet and watch. That’s when I get my best shots. Sit and let the birds get used to you and they’ll start going about their business.
- Have the light behind you.
- Focus on the bird’s eye.
- Expect it to take some time. If I know there’s a certain bird in the area I’ll sit for up to three hours.
Shoalhaven bird watchers could explore one of the 12 bird walks provided by Birdlife Shoalhaven.
The drought over the past few years has meant that in some areas plenty of inland birds have moved towards the coast.
Perhaps you’ll see a spectacular scene like photographer Toni Ward when driving past Merimbula Lake.
Each team is vying for the honour of being the state’s top twitchers, while raising funds for bird conservation.
Powerful owls posted by BirdLife Australia might inspire you to get out and look to the trees on the weekend.
BirdLife Australia spokesman Sean Dooley said while people can see birds in most places around Australia, spotting different types of birds meant exploring different types of habitat.
“It’s a matter of going to as many places as you can to maximise the number of species that you’ll be able to see,” Mr Dooley said.
“The bird count is all in good fun, however there is a serious side to the annual event.
“The number of birds on the threatened species list has never been greater,” he said.
The Twitchathon is raising funds to help BirdLife Australia take action to protect the birds and the habitats they live in.
This year BirdLife Australia aims to raise $10,000. Click here to see a live tally of funds raised.
To support a local or state team visit https://www.birdlifetwitchathon.org.au/teams