#BirdingAtHome this Winter
Submitted by kataburrow on 28 May 2020.
The past couple of months have been hard for everyone across Australia, as we have stood together to stop the spread of COVID-19. But even at difficult times like this, you can rely on birds to bring you joy, solace and a connection to the natural world. Here at the Birds in Backyards Program, we want to provide you with opportunities to try out some #BirdingAtHome activities and get closer to the birds in your backyard.
Winter Birds in Backyards Survey
Even though restrictions have started to ease, it is still vital to be mindful of how we spend our leisure time. Our winter backyard surveys are about to begin, and they offer the perfect opportunity to get outside and connect with the birds in your local area, whilst safely adhering to social distancing guidelines. To take part in the surveys all you have to do is register your free Birdata account, read the instructions or watch the video. Download the Birdata app and take your smartphone or tablet outside with you and record all the birds you seen in your space in 20 mins.
#BirdingAtHome on social media
One of the simplest ways to engage with the birds in your backyards is to follow us on Twitter, Instagram and our Birds in Backyards (Australia) Facebook group and join in with some of our ongoing activities such as:
#CuppaWithTheBirds: Take 10 mins out of your day with a cuppa, watch the birds in your garden and share who’s there with us.
#WhatBirdisThat: Stumped by a mystery bird in your garden? Have a birdy question that you want answered? Use this hashtag and the collective bird brains of Instagram will help you out. ⠀
#NightOwls: Birding at Home gives us an opportunity to not only see birds during the day, but listen to those that move through our yards at night - who are you hearing (or seeing) when the sun goes down?
Keep an eye out for our upcoming birdy questions that will focus on:
Bird baths: who is taking a chilly winter dip in your yard?
Native plants: what is attracting the birds in your yard today?
Bird behaviour: what kooky things are your local birds up to?
We will also be featuring some citizen science projects that you can get involved with to help our research students in South East Queensland and New South Wales. Be sure to follow our social media for more information on how you can help:
Identify Cockatoo roosts across Brisbane
Locate artificial tree hollows and their tenants across the Gold Coast
Track down Brush Turkeys across NSW and Qld
BirdLife Australia have also put together a fabulous array of activities and resources to keep you and your families amused – no matter what the age! From weekly crossword puzzles to resources for the kids to entertaining and educational videos on our BIBYTV. Check out the #BirdingAtHome webpage to begin your backyard adventure today!
