Novice birdwatcher

[Susanne Gardiner <>]

Hi Mariko

You can get the "Guide to the Birds of Australia" by Michael Morcombe as an app for Android or iPhone. It does cost as much as a guide book, but is worth every cent as it comes with bird calls and has some other nice features. Would always carry a guide book too, as that is easier to find birds you can't fit in a certain group. 

http://www.michaelmorcombe.com.au/

I usually carry my bins over one shoulder and across the torso (like a shoulder bag) - on the strap they came with - or have them in my hand. 

Some backpacks have rings on the shoulder straps that are supposed to be camera attachment points. You could used them for bins instead. 

Cheers, 

Susanne

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Subject: [canberrabirds] Novice birdwatcher

An experienced birder once told me that I should know common birds well so that when I hear or see something different I would know at least it is not usual birds. To this end I listen to the CD of Birds of the ACT, but this does not include thornbills.  During birdwatching tours I noticed some people have an ipod(?) with bird pictures and bird calls.  Could any one tell me what it is and where I can get it in Canberra.  We are going to Sydney    in near future.  Would I find it easier to obtain it in Sydney?  I would also like to know where I can get a shoulder strap to hold bins.  Do I make myself clear?  What I mean is that I don't want to hang heavy bins around my neck.

Mariko