One-day birdwatching tours around Sydney

See many of Sydney's fantastically beautiful birds with this series of one-day outings which can be enjoyed individually or in combination with each other.

Perfect for interstate or overseas visitors, these full-day outings start and end at your Sydney accommodation. The exact itinerary of each tour will vary to take best advantage of seasonal changes, bird migration and recent sightings. About 250 bird species are regularly seen in Sydney and we can expect to see between 50 and 75 species of birds on any given day, even in winter.

Day 1 - South Sydney
Today we'll search for Superb Lyrebird, Green Catbird, Beautiful Firetail and New Holland Honeyeater in a mixture of habitats from temperate rainforest to coastal heathland. We'll have a chance to look for seabirds from Sydney's spectacular cliffs and towards the end of the day we'll see waterbirds and look for the stunning Azure Kingfisher.

Day 2 - City Parks and Gardens
Close to the CBD are parks and gardens which have large numbers of water birds such as ducks, ibis and Black Swan. In summer we will also look for shorebirds (waders) such as godwits and sandpipers plus a surprising number of bush birds can also make an appearance such as Rufous Whistler, Tawny Frogmouth and Red-rumped Parrot. The parks usually have concrete pathways so are ideal for those who are less mobile.

Day 3 - Blue Mountains
This World Heritage area to the west of Sydney is extensively forested with bush birds being the main focus of our attention. Some of the special birds we'll look for include Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo, Australian King-Parrot, Rockwarbler and migrating Yellow-faced Honeyeaters which pass through in their thousands in April. As well as birds, we'll enjoy the area's spectacular scenery such as the Three Sisters.

Day 4 - North Sydney
Eucalypt forests dominate northern Sydney suburbs and there are numerous places to look for birds. Parrots such as Crimson Rosella and Rainbow Lorikeet, fascinating birds like the Satin Bowerbird plus very small bush birds like Spotted Pardalote and Brown Thornbill will be on our agenda today. Powerful Owls breed in the area so we'll seek them out in their daytime roosts.

Day 5 - North-west Sydney
This area of Sydney has such a diversity of habitats that it's a great spot to seek just about any sort of bird. We'll look for Bell Miner, Buff-rumped Thornbill and Wonga Pigeon in the forests, shovelers and egrets in the wetlands, while the skies above us hold quite a few species of raptor such as Brown Falcon and Black-shouldered Kite.

Wish list and Spotlighting
Itineraries are flexible so we can seek out birds on your wish list or do a bit of spotlighting. Naturally, sightings of particular species can not be guaranteed but we'll give it our best shot.

What to expect
Each day will usually start around 7am when you are picked up from your accommodation. Have breakfast beforehand or bring it with you to eat on the way. Peak hour traffic can slow us up but we should be birding by 8am or 8.30am depending how far we need to drive.

Morning tea is included in the price. Tea, coffee, fruit juice, biscuits and fruit will be provided.

Around about 1pm we'll have lunch in a spot where we'll be able to continue birdwatching. A picnic style lunch is also included in the price. Tea, coffee, fruit juice, biscuits and fruit will also be provided at lunchtime.

We return to your accommodation about 5pm.

The price of the tour includes transport for the day, entrance fees, guiding services, use of telescope and field guides plus morning tea and lunch. It does not include breakfast or dinner nor does it include your accommodation.

Fitness level

We will often be walking on bush tracks which occasionally can be rough, muddy or steep. Participants need to be of reasonable fitness and capable of walking unassisted. Usually we will stroll for short distances at a number of locations throughout the day. We do not 'bush bash' nor do we go on lengthy marches.

What to bring

Participants should bring a pair of binoculars. Feel free to bring your own telescope although one is available for you to use. A field guide is useful (see recommendations below) although a selection is available for you to read. Sun cream, insect repellent, hat, water bottle and rain jacket are recommended. Good firm walking shoes are essential.

Prices

About Your Guide - Andrew Patrick

Andrew Patrick is a prominent member of the Cumberland Bird Observers Club in Sydney and has led outings for the club since 1999. He has been a professional bird guide since 2003 and has a particular interest in teaching beginners and members of the public the practicalities of birdwatching as well as showing them the beauty of Australian birds.

Andrew created and hosted Australia's first birdwatching TV series "Let's Go Birdwatching"

Andrew enjoys participating in conservation projects. He has helped reintroduce Gouldian Finches at Mareeba Wetlands, planted trees for Regent Honeyeaters in the Capertee Valley, searched for Gould's Petrel nests on Cabbage Tree Island, surveyed Ground Parrots at Barren Grounds Nature Reserve and monitored nest behaviour of Little Terns at Nowra.

As well as travelling extensively around Australia, Andrew's zest for birds has also taken him to New Zealand and Antarctica. He has recently surveyed shorebirds in South Korea.

Testimonials

"Bobby and I want to thank you so much for an excellent day's birding. We had such clear views of some of the species, which have made a lasting impression on us. We both appreciated your expertise and patience and also the care and concern shown to us with regard to our meals that day. Altogether, an experience which has wetted our appetite to return for more."
Isobel and Bobby - Manchester, UK

"Am so glad I booked the three days with you, as these were the highlight of my trip and I would have missed so much without the birding side. Thank you for your expert knowledge and for taking me not only to best birding sights but for giving me an overview of the outskirts of Sydney."
Joy - Derbyshire, UK

"If you want a friendly relaxed and pleasant introduction into Sydney's birds and native environment then look no further than Andrew at zest for birds, a great value day out that really puts the nature back into travelling, and fun into bird watching."
Andrew - Chester, UK

Recommended Australian Field Guides

	The Field Guide to the Birds of Australia Graham Pizzey and Frank Knight Very comprehensive, full of accurate information, lovely drawings. Bulky and heavy. Favourite amongst serious birders.
	Field Guide to the Birds of Australia Ken Simpson and Nicholas Day A classic and long-time favourite of Australian birders especially beginners. Excellent drawings, limited information. Bulky and heavy.
	The Slater Field Guide to Australian Birds Peter Slater, Pat Slater and Raoul Slater Very popular because of its compact size. Easily carried into the field. Drawings and information very acceptable given its size.
	Field Guide to Australian Birds Michael Morcombe Lots of information including distant islands, sub-species distribution, nests and eggs. Bulky and heavy.
	Field Guide to Australian Birds, Compact Edition Michael Morcombe Comprehensive, detailed, smaller than his other work, easily carried into the field. Useful size comparison charts.
Most Australian bookstores will have copies of at least one of the above field guides. These field guides cost about $30.00 to $45.00. The book images are not to scale.