Australia has one of the most diverse ensemble of birds in the world. From coastal waders to desert parrots to alpine wrens, it's no wonder so many people are obsessed with these feathered beauties.
If you're looking to spoil the bird lover in your life with the perfect gift, here are some great ideas that are sure to satisfy.
1. A book of Australia birds
This is a must-have for any serious birdwatcher. A reference book featuring Birds of Australia will help them ID different species and learn more about their habits and habitats. Hard copy books such as Field Guide to the Birds of Australia are super handy or a mobile app such as Morcombe & Stewart Guide is a perfect out-and-about product for the twitcher in your life.
2. A set of binoculars
Good quality binoculars (or 'lookers' as we call them) are a must for birdwatching. They'll be able to spot birds from a distance and get a more intimate look at their features. There are binoculars for every budget from under $200 (Nikon Action Extreme 7x35 ATB Binoculars) to over $1000 (Swarovski Binocular EL 10×42).
3. A nesting box
With the decline of large canopy trees in our neighbourhoods, many birds have been left without a place to call home. So what could be a better gift for both birds and bird watchers than a nesting box? You can buy nesting boxes for specific Australian birds from Bird Boxes Australia. Or if you're feeling handy why not build it yourself using ready-made plans you can find at Birds in Backyards.
4. A bird bath
One thing guaranteed to bring birds to a yard is a constant supply of fresh clean water. A bird bath is a great way to provide this, creating hours of viewing entertainment of the different birds that come to visit. You can buy bird baths from your local hardware or gardening store for under $100. Or you can really splash out (no pun apologies) on these beautiful Australian-made bird baths from Mallee Designs.
5. An outdoor wifi camera
If your bird nerd already has a bird bath and bird box, how about an outdoor camera so they can watch and record visiting birds? This is a great gift for those who are passionate about birdwatching but may not be able to get outside as often as they'd like. The camera will also come in handy for capturing images and videos to share with fellow bird enthusiasts. Check out the range of out cameras at Outdoor Cameras Australia.
6. A bird identification chart
This is a great idea for beginner birdwatchers. It can be both a superb decorative piece for a home or office and also a handy reference to help identify different species of birds. Check out this beautiful wall art available on Etsy.
7. A bird-watching journal
A bird-watching journal is an ideal way for birdwatchers to keep track of the birds they've seen. They can record the date, location, and other details about their sightings. Australian Geographic's Birdwatcher's Journal is a great option for both novices and veterans alike.
8. A bird location book
Another great gift for birdwatchers of all levels is a guide to bird watching locations. A book such as Australian Geographic Australia's Birdwatching Megaspots will help them find the best spots around the country to see different types of birds. It's perfect for planning day trips, a weekend getaways or even longer field trips.
9. Bird-themed products
From t-shirts to mugs to posters, there's always a perfect bird-themed gift for the twitcher in your life. See our range of unique gifts that feature Australian bird favourites such as magpies, budgerigars, cassowaries and gang-gangs.
10. A gift certificate
This is a terrific way to support a local business and give the bird lover in your life a choice of their perfect gift. For the easiest gift you'll ever buy grab a gift card from our store.
Whether you're looking for a small stocking stuffer or a big statement pressie, we hope this list has given you some inspiration for the perfect gift for the bird lover in your life.