Sydney Birding Tours
Within an hour's drive of the Sydney CBD some of the most beautiful birds and habitats on the east coast of Australia can be found. I've been birding in the Sydney area since the early 1970's and can show you all of the iconic and fascinating birdlife of the region.
Everyone wants to see the gorgeous, tiny and hard to find Southern Emu-wren. © 2006 Nevil Lazarus. Press image to enlarge.
From sub-tropical rainforest to tall wet forests to dry woodlands, heath, wetlands, dune scrubs and more, Sydney has habitats supporting a vast diversity of birdlife. More than 300 species have been recorded in the region as residents, migrants and vagrants and Sydney is the best place in the region to find the locally endemic Rockwarbler and Superb Lyrebird.
Because the birdlife varies greatly in Sydney according to season, habitat and locality I don't publish a Sydney bird list. However, I tailor your tours to suit your level of fitness, particular interest or list requirements, which we can discuss when plannning your tour.
The first thing which will surprise you about Sydney is its beautiful parrots. Several species of lorikeets, rosellas and cockatoos are quite abundant, with many being very common in the centre of the city. We've many other unique, beautiful and charismatic birds which are little known to people from abroad, so you'll be sure to find plenty of pleasant surprises whilst on tour.
Typical Sydney Red Gum, Angophora costata, forest. Habitat like this holds an abundance of beautiful and amazing bird life. Image © 2006 Ricki Coughlan.
Lyrebird Magic!
My most popular tours take place from April to June when you can witness the breathtaking magic of the Superb Lyrebird's courtship. This is truly one of the great sights in nature that you can be priveliged to observe amid the stunningly beautiful tall, wet forests of the region. This is also the best time of the year to find the locally endemic Rockwarbler, New South Wales' only endemic bird species and a must for the specialist ticker.
The footage below is of a pair of males engaging in dominance display and was taken by Wink Gross when on tour with me in September 2007 (or visit the YouTube site). It starts off a little slow, but stay with it.
From November to January is the best time to observe the courtship of the amazing Satin Bowerbird. Bowerbirds are among the most fascinating family of birds on the planet and the opportunity to witness their courtship is a rare and special treat. At this time of year, many of the summer migrants are in and the forests are full of colour and song, making for a delightful day's birding. If you love fairy-wrens, this is also the best time to see the males in their full glory.
Southern Emu-wren and Beautiful Firetail tours during these months are also popular, making the choice of where to begin a day's birding very difficult indeed!
Contact me to discuss your next great birding adventure!