The Murrumbidgee Field Naturalists have some tips for bird watching success for the Aussie Backyard Bird Count which begins this week, 19-25 October.
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Seeing a black or painted honeyeater in Griffith's town is a rare delight for nature enthusiast Graham Russell from the Murrumbidgee Field Naturalists, and one that residents of Griffith should be on the look out for this week he said.
"In most urban areas of course you are going to get most of the feral species like sparrows and starlings," Mr Graham said.
"Once you get away from those, there is going to be magpies and mudlarks, willie wagtails and two or three varieties of thornbills you'll probably see in town.
"Superb parrots were listed as a vulnerable species but they are off the list now so you might see some of those around too."
Less than 24 hours in to the count, more than 300 000 birds have already been counted. The birds counted in backyards and public spaces across the country will help Bird Life Australia gain a deeper understanding of the species in populated areas that are thriving or just surviving.
To participate is simple. Download the app, set aside 20 minutes, grab and cuppa and find a comfy spot to watch which birds visit your home, local park, school or workplace. Record the birds you see over a 20 minute window and submit your count via the app or here via the website. You can submit as many counts as you like throughout the week.
Mr Russell has some simple advice for those wishing to maximise their bird watching time.
"Stay still and stay quiet and if you can put yourself back against something, like a tree or a wall then you blend in a lot more," Mr Graham said.
With COVID encouraging a lot of people around Australia to get back in to appreciating nature the Murrumbidgee Field Naturalists are a club who are actively involved in helping people get connected with the natural history of the Murrumbidgee River Valley, and encouraging the preservation and protection of the Australian natural environment.
For more details about the MFN club visit their website here.
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