Five reasons you should start birdwatching

Environmental damage has had a devastating effect on our bird population. The bushfires of 2019-20 razed forests, grasslands and woodlands that were home to 832 native species, 45% of which were birds. The good news is that BirdLife Australia has seen a huge increase in people who are interested in birdwatching since the bushfires and during COVID-19.

By taking an interest in birdwatching, you’ll become an advocate for native birds and increase awareness of their plight. You can even volunteer for our conservation programs that support the recovery of threatened species in our national parks, like the endangered malleefowl, or shorebirds like the little tern and hooded plover. This work is vital if we want to make sure they’re around for future generations to enjoy.

With everyone leading such busy lives, combining a workout, a catch-up with your bestie and the outdoors is always a good idea. Check your fitness app after a day of birdwatching and you might be surprised to see how far you’ve walked. As you become more of a pro, you may even find yourself doing more challenging hikes to get a glimpse of less common birds. Afterwards, find a grassy area to do some stretches or take a dip.

Being in nature is also good for your mental health, helping you feel more calm and balanced. It also forces you to live in the present moment. When you’re still and quiet, focused on the iconic call of the Eastern whipbird or the magnificent colours of the Australian king parrot, you’re not paying attention to the past or the future. This can be incredibly restorative, giving your mind a chance to relax and process what’s going on in your everyday life.

If you’re a collector at heart, you’ll love the idea of setting yourself a birdwatching challenge. Start by creating a list of the birds you’re likely to see in NSW national parks, then go exploring. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of seeing a new species and ticking it off your list. You might not be close or fast enough to grab a photo, but collecting memories of a white-bellied sea eagle soaring over the coastline or the striking blue of the male superb fairy wren will be far more satisfying than collecting things that will gather dust at home.

Let’s be honest, getting kids to put down their device and go outside is often a hard sell unless there is something new to explore or discover. Birdwatching is a great activity for families, as you can do it while riding your bike, going on a bushwalk, or even kayaking down the river. Our national parks are incredibly special, and they’re the perfect place to teach your kids about caring for the environment in a way they’ll remember for years to come.

Birdwatching can also help kids learn valuable life skills like counting, colours, listening, patience and attention to detail. Younger kids can practice their counting by logging the number of birds they see, or looking carefully in the trees for any sudden movements. Teenagers can learn to identify the unique markings and songs of each bird, using their research skills to look them up and learn more about the bird’s diet and habitat.

Birdwatching is a great way to explore your local environment with a fresh perspective. You can even start from your balcony or backyard. You’ll be surprised how many types of birds you see once you start paying attention. Work out what birds you’re seeing using BirdLife Australia’s bird finder tool, and share your success on social using hashtags like #BirdingatHome or #CuppaWithTheBirds.

If you feel like getting out of town, visit one of the hundreds of national parks and reserves across NSW (many are within easy reach of the Sydney CBD). Some are well known for their bird life, like Capertee National Park near Lithgow. It’s recognised internationally as an Important Bird Area (IBA) and one of the 50 top bird watching places in the world. Add a pretty camping spot, some challenging walks and a stunning lookout, and you’ve got yourself a holiday to rival any international destination.

There are plenty of places to go birdwatching in NSW, and you don’t need much to get started. A pair of binoculars, a guidebook or bird spotting app, and a notebook will help. If you’re making a day of it, it’s a good idea to pack a bag with sunscreen, a hat, snacks, plenty of water and a first-aid kit. Kids might also like to take a sketchpad and pencils to draw the birds they see. Then it’s just about heading outdoors to appreciate the beauty of the spectacular native birds in our NSW national parks.