Birdwatching for beginners: unleash your inner ornithologist
Issued: 16 Dec 2024 5 mins read

Find a good birdwatching location

One of the best things about birdwatching in Queensland is that you’re spoilt for great locations, even in urban areas. That being said, there are some spots where you will have a higher chance of seeing more (or rarer) birds. Searching the internet for “birdwatching near me” will bring up more localised resources and tips, but the suggestions below are known hotspots for Queensland birdlife.

• Queensland National Parks
• nature reserves and forests
• hiking trails
• coastal areas
• wetlands.

Not close to any of these? No worries – birding is a hobby you can do from home, regardless of where you live! You may think you don’t have many birds around your area, but you may be very surprised by what species live with you.

Birdwatching hides

If you want to observe birds up close in their natural habitat without sticking out like a sore thumb, it’s worth seeking out birdwatching hides in your local area. These camouflaged shelters (also known as bird blinds) are usually located near water bodies, feeding stations, or in areas with high bird activity – so you can pop in and birdwatch without disturbing the birds.

Search the internet for “bird hides” or “birdwatching hides” with your location to find the best spots near you – often Google Maps and local forums will reveal reputable results.

Best times for birdwatching in Queensland

With patience and a positive attitude, you can birdwatch year-round – but there are peak times that may make your experience more exciting. The best times for birdwatching in Queensland are typically during the cooler months, from March to October. This is when plenty of migratory birds make the journey up from more southern parts of Australia, adding even more diversity to our range of resident species.

Early mornings and late afternoons are the prime times for hearing and seeing birds, as they are most active during these periods – golden-hour hike, anyone?

Bird identification basics

With more than 600 bird species in Queensland, it helps to know what you’re looking at when you spot a feathered friend.

Key features to look for

Pay careful attention to the following features when you see a bird – the more details you note, the more likely you are to make a positive identification:

• size (body shape, plus length of legs, tail, and beak)
• shape (body and beak)
• colour
• behaviour.

It’s important to note that many bird species have vast differences between males and females. From completely different plumage to variations in eye colour, these details can help you determine the sex and species of a bird.

Field guides and bird identification apps

So, you’ve got your bird details and your location – now what?

Being able to fact-check your bird intel on the go is a great asset when you’re out birding. This is where field guides and bird identification apps come into play. Field guides provide detailed descriptions, illustrations, and range maps, giving you the basics to identify birds by their appearance and location. ID apps take it a step further, often including audio recordings of bird calls, allowing users to identify birds based on their songs.

Birds Queensland has stacks of information about the most up-to-date Australian field guides, apps, and other online identification resources for birdwatchers.

Learning bird calls and songs

Sometimes birdwatching is more like bird listening – you may be able to hear a bird but not see it. Familiarising yourself with bird calls and songs can reveal the presence of hidden birds around you. Plenty of bird ID apps and websites include bird call examples so you can cross-check – and you can even contribute your own bird song recordings to helpful databases.

Tips for successful birdwatching

Patience and observation skills

Birdwatching is an art of patience and keen observation. Remember, birds are wild creatures and may not always perform on cue. Take your time, be quiet, and let the birds come to you. Use binoculars to get a closer look at their intricate details, from their plumage to their behaviours.

Minimise your impact on the environment

As a birdwatcher, you must help protect these magnificent creatures’ natural habitats. Here are some tips to minimise your impact:

• Stay on designated trails: Avoid trampling vegetation and disturbing wildlife.
• Keep noise levels low: Loud noises can scare birds away.
• Respect wildlife: Avoid disturbing birds, especially during nesting and breeding seasons.
• Leave no trace: Take all rubbish with you, including food scraps and plastic bags.

Keep a journal

A birdwatching journal is a fantastic way to document your sightings, learn more about bird behaviour, and track your progress as a birder. Whether it’s a notebook full of insights or the Notes app on your phone, it’s all valuable! There are no rules, but we’ve got some helpful suggestions for what to keep track of:

• record the date, time, and location of your sightings
• note the species of birds you observe
• describe their appearance, behaviour, and habitat
• sketch or draw the birds you see
• include any interesting observations or anecdotes.

Get to know your local birdwatching community

Looking for great bird observation spots or like-minded people to go birding with? Connecting with your local birdwatching community is a great place to start. There are plenty of official Queensland bird clubs and societies you can join, with many offering outings and workshops. Social media is also an invaluable resource to find local birding communities in your area – you can share photos, ask questions, and connect with other bird nerds.

How birdwatching helps with conservation

Did you know your birdwatching can also help provide valuable data to scientists and conservationists? A range of citizen science projects around the state rely on keen members of the public collecting data. To find something related to birds in your area, head to the Australian Citizen Science Association website.

There’s also the annual Aussie Bird Count in October, an initiative of BirdLife Australia. This wholesome activity encourages all Australians to get out and count the birds that live near them, with BirdLife using the data to track the health of local bird communities. BirdLife also encourages avian data collection all year long – check out Birdata to see how you can contribute.

Staying safe around Queensland birdlife

Birdwatching is a wonderful way to connect with nature and appreciate the diverse birdlife of Queensland. However, it's important to be mindful of wildlife health. If you encounter a deceased bird, please do not touch or disturb it. This helps prevent the spread of diseases like avian flu, which can harm both birds and humans.

To report multiple deceased birds, contact the Department of Primary Industries on 13 25 23 or the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. By being cautious and reporting any unusual sightings, you can contribute to the conservation of Queensland's precious wildlife.