Useful free online aids to identifying birds include:
The Life in the Suburbs project is an initiative of the Australian National University (ANU) in partnership with the ACT Government, the Australian National Botanical Gardens (ANBG), CSIRO, National Museum of Australia, National Capital Authority, and the Sullivans Creek Catchment Group. The initiative is supported by the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust.
Birds in Backyards is a BirdLife Australia research, education and conservation program focusing on the birds that live where people live.The Bird Finder allows you to search, browse or find information about individual Australian birds.
Online field guides to Australian Bird can be purchased for use on a smart phone or tablet.
Books, especially field guides are useful aids to identifying birds. These are some that COG members use.
- Field Guide to the Birds of the ACT – 2nd edition
- Pizzey & Knight Birds of Australia
- Simpson & Day Field Guide to the Birds of Australia
- The Salter Field Guide to Australian Birds
Binoculars are the most useful item of equipment. Lots of info on the web, but to get you started have a look at the following.
Then join a COG trip. Members are usually happy to both tell you about their binoculars and let you try them. Members will be using several different brands, sizes and styles of binoculars, so you are likely to get a fairly good idea as to what might best suit you. And you’ll have a fun birding outing!