Kay Parkin Birding: Darwin Harbour and Great-billed Heron

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Darwin Harbour and Great-billed Heron

I went out on a short cruise today which went past the mangroves in Darwin Harbour. As it was not a birding focused cruise I did not hold out much hope of seeing anything but the boat stopped a few times to look at and talk about about mangroves. I used these moments to scan the mangroves hoping to see a bird or 3 but being lunch time and also low tide I didn't get to see much.

As the boat was about to head back to the wharf I looked up to see a Great-billed Heron majestically flying low along the water. It's silent, deep heavy slow wing beats almost skimming the waters surface. So beautiful with it's almost pre-historic appearance. Seriously I nearly flew out the boat to get a photo! Talk about lucky!!

It was worth the money for that one bird!!

Stokes Hill Wharf

Gull-billed Tern

Prawns for lunch

Great-billed Heron

Brahminy Kite

Do you want to start bird watching?

Birding is a great hobby and can be done easily and without much expense. You can simply go for a walk and take note of the birds you see! If you are new to birding you may not know what the birds are called so I'd suggest carrying a note book so you can make some notes on their colour, size and markings so you can then identify them when you get home.

To identify them you can use an Australian Bird Field Guide - I'd suggest Pizzey, otherwise you can use a website which has photos of Australian birds such as www.bushpea.com

You can start listing every species of bird that you see. You will be surprised at how quickly your total increases. It is so much fun and you could encourage your family and friends to join you.

You will need a pair of binoculars - 10 x 40 is a good size. I use Nikon Monarch but try them out in the shop to get a light pair that suits you.

BIRDER

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Darwin Harbour and Great-billed Heron