Birding brochure launched
The Mannum Bird Watching brochure I wrote
In my travels around Australia I often visit Information Centres. I usually look for pamphlets and maps about the local area, concentrating on places like national parks and reserves. We try to visit some of the places during our visit, especially those that promise good birding and an interesting array of native plants to keep my wife happy.
The Mannum Bird Watching brochure I wrote
On our many trips around the different states I particularly look for birding guides. We have come across a few, but these are not at all common. In South Australia I know of only two and both of those were published only this year. Now a third one is gracing the shelves of tourist information centres, one that I am the proud author of and which was launched in Mannum last week.
Earlier in the year I was approached by the Friends of Mannum Walking Trails to write and produce such a brochure. I readily agreed, not realising how much work was involved. Still, I am very pleased with the result and received many positive comments by the speakers at the launch and by people afterwards when we enjoyed morning tea.
The launch was reasonably informal, and was held on the banks of the River Murray at Mannum. All present were welcomed by representatives of the local Indigenous community, the Mayor and several other speakers. I was given an opportunity to also say a few words.
At the same time another brochure was launched. The second pamphlet is a guide to the walking trails around the town of Mannum. It highlights the cultural and historical heritage of the area with a particular focus on the rich paddle steamer history of the town.
The Mannum Bird Watching brochure I wrote
I took all the photos featured in the birding brochure and many of them have appeared on this blog over the last two years.
Click on the photos to enlarge the image.
How to be a lazy birder revisited
At this time last year I wrote a series of articles about how to be a lazy birder. It is about time we revisit these articles. At this holiday time in Australia many people take annual holidays after a very busy year at work. What most people want is not more busyness pursuing their hobby. So it was with this in mind that I wrote this series; just click on the link to take you to the relevant article.
Warning: do not strain yourself too much reading through these articles.
- How to be a lazy birder part 1 – in the garden.
- How to be a lazy birder part 2 – on the porch or veranda.
- How to be a lazy birder part 3 – set up a simple bird bath.
- How to be a lazy birder part 4 – from the car.
- How to be a lazy birder part 5 – from your bed.
- How to be a lazy birder part 6 – while watching television.
- How to be a lazy birder part 7 – watch a video or DVD about birds.
- How to be a lazy birder part 8 – while in the office or at work.
- How to be a lazy birder part 9 -while travelling.
- How to be a lazy birder part 10 – by reading about birds.
- How to be a lazy birder part 11 – surf the internet – or read my blog.
- How to be a lazy birder part 12 – watch a movie.
So there you have it – 12 ways to be a lazy birder. Enjoy.
Bonus hint:
Visit your local zoo or bird park.
Watch the birds in the cages.
This is a really good, lazy method of birding; the birds will not fly away from you.
If you want more information about how to be a birder go to my series of articles called How to be a Birder.
Budgerigars, Cleland Wildlife Park
I saw this bird and I thought of you
4 Comments »23rd December, 2007; Category: Birders, Birds, General, Plovers Dotterels and Lapwings, Waterbirds
A friend sidled up to me the other day and said, “I saw this little bird and I thought of you, Trevor.”
Now – I’m not sure whether that ever happens to you or not, but it is becoming a rather frequent occurrence in my life. You see, I’m not slow at letting people know that I am a birder, someone whose passion is watching birds in the wild. That’s what this blog is all about after all.
Said friend went on to say that this little bird actually attacked him. I pressed him with several key questions, such as, size, colour, location and what was it actually doing. Within a minute I had established that it was probably a Red-capped Plover (see photo), a small wading bird common around the coast of Australia and in suitable wetlands inland. It was “attacking” my friend because it either had a nest with eggs or newly hatched chicks nearby.
Red-capped Plover
It is nice to be recognised for one’s expertise in this way. What annoys me, however, is the growing number of friends and acquaintances who say the same thing after they return from a holiday in some exotic location.
“Oh Trevor,” they chirp as happy as a Sparrow with a bowl full of seed, “we saw this beautiful parrot in Cairns (or Broome or Darwin or wherever) and we immediately thought of you.” After the initial polite smile and excited ooohs and aaahs I go away fuming. I’ve NEVER seen that species in my life. And they’ve seen it and they are not even birders. Grrrrrr.
So what do I do about this annoying situation?
Perhaps I need to go for more holidays to exotic places. Then I can blithely reply, “Yeah, but did you see the Scarlet-crested Rainbow-winged Blue and White Cockatoo*?. It sat on my shoulder and nibbled at my ear.”
Or some other suitable anecdotal put-down.
*There is NO such animal – I just imagined it, but it sure sounds exotic and fabulous.
Birding in Sri Lanka
I have never been birding in Sri Lanka but if I ever get the opportunity to go there, I will certainly take it.
In the meantime, I can still enjoy photos of the birds of that country by going to the birding blog of Amila Salgado. It’s called Gallicissa – a birder in an endemic hotspot. Amila has more than a passing interest in birds, he is also into bird photography, showing off many of his photos on his blog. As a bonus, he also features photos of frogs, insects and reptiles. It’s well worth a visit.
Link:
Happy Birday to me
5 Comments »16th November, 2007; Category: Birders
It’s my birthday today.
Okay – that is quite enough cheering, singing and laughter. (Laughter??? Why are you laughing? I’m not THAT old.)
I was hoping to go for an early morning birding walk before the forecast hot weather. Then I was going to read a bit, relax watching a DVD or two and some of the cricket Test Match on television and generally have a lazy day.
Alas – I have to work. (I do occasional relief driving for a courier company and they had a minor crisis and needed me.)
So the celebrations of the BIG SIX OH will have to wait a few hours.
You never know – I might get to see some really wonderful birds as I do my rounds delivering parcels.
I’ll keep you posted.
Meanwhile, here is a photo my wife took of me doing some birding last year. This is to remind me of some great birding moments I’ve had in recent times – when I was not working.
Typical Pose of Husband