Stephanie O'Donnell
- @StephODonnell
- | She / Her
This question popped up on Twitter (or x?) and has had some interesting replies!
Wildoz twitchers: is there a good resource for learning bird calls? Like, if I hear a little twitter and want to check that it’s the twitterer that I think it is? @D0CT0R_Dave @wtb_Michael @Twitchathon ?
— Dr. Kylie Soanes (@kyliesoanes) October 19, 2023
I thought I'd start it as a discussion here too, and not limit it to australia, as it feels like the sort of question I see come up every so often. So having a searchable thread to collect ideas and recommendations might be useful in the long term. Please add your recommendations below, I'm curious to hear them and will make sure Kylie sees them too.
20 October 2023 12:19pm
Some of the recommendations Kylie has been getting:
eBird is also a great resource. Can help narrow downs species based on sightings in your area and has links to profiles of all species.
— David Parker (@pedionomus) October 20, 2023
Thanks! The trouble I’m having is narrowing it down based on calls - I know the tiny birds of the area, but can’t get eyes on them. So after somewhere I can go to hear a list of “what noises does a yellow rumped thornbill make” without listening to 15 min YouTube 😂
— Dr. Kylie Soanes (@kyliesoanes) October 20, 2023
I usually go listen to the calls for the potential suspects on Pizzey and Knight on my phone…
— Erika Roper 🦜🥔 (@_erikaroper) October 20, 2023
I start with Pizzey & Knight but it’s not comprehensive for call variations. Morcombe and also Stewart are good backups (if you’re keen enough to have them all :)
— Leo (@leo_qbn) October 20, 2023
Anyone know how Merlin is progressing with Australian birds?
I have found that, but it’s all I have so I make do 😅
— Erika Roper 🦜🥔 (@_erikaroper) October 20, 2023
20 October 2023 12:21pm
A few more!
Yes i use the Merlin app however i dont recommend using it too much as the males get agitated a bit (around breeding nesting)
— Simon Cotter (@SimonCotter62) October 19, 2023
Failing all that, if you have internet connection where you are then Graeme Chapman’s website has a terrific library of bird calls - I often refer to it: https://t.co/Metmy9VUxU
— Harry Saddler (@MondayStory) October 19, 2023
Xeno Canto is also an incredible website for bird calls, but not very mobile friendly.
The online calls help but still a learning a challenge. So many different calls by the same bird, regional variations, age variations and more mimics than lyrebirds and magpies. Tips like the Australian Raven and Little Raven are distinguished by final notes are good
— Ian Thompson (@IanThom186000) October 19, 2023
Everyone has answered while I was on the bike, so I'm just repeating. I use Morcombe first, YouTube second and xeno canto if I'm really stuck
— Bird Michael From Twitt℮r (@wtb_Michael) October 19, 2023
I am keen to try this one myself:https://t.co/CQy0CuKC5I
— Matt Furlong also @matticusflinch.bsky.social (@matticus_flinch) October 20, 2023
https://t.co/QlY0lmGQSF is my go-to
— The Bird Emergency - Grant the Bird Nerd (@birdemergency) October 19, 2023
Stephanie O'Donnell