Oxley Creek Common, a sprawling green space in Brisbane’s south, is attracting a new generation of bird enthusiasts. Once considered a hobby for older generations, birdwatching is experiencing a surge in popularity, with people of all ages flocking to areas like Oxley Creek to observe the diverse avian life.
This inner-city oasis, home to over 200 bird species, has become a prime location for experienced and novice birdwatchers.
It’s difficult to quantify the exact number of birdwatchers in Australia, but anecdotal evidence suggests a significant increase in recent years. Sean Dooley, a former national birdwatching champion and current senior advisor for Birdlife Australia, attributes this rise to the pandemic. He notes that many people turned to birdwatching during lockdowns to connect with nature while adhering to restrictions.
This trend is mirrored in the experiences of Brisbane locals. During the pandemic, Kate McKay, a 28-year-old PhD graduate, was drawn to birdwatching. Initially surprised by the abundance of birdlife in her city, she soon became an avid enthusiast, even venturing on pelagic trips to observe seabirds.
For others, like graphic designer Chris Ahern, birdwatching began closer to home. The 44-year-old discovered the joys of bird photography in his backyard. He explained that the accessibility of birds as subjects, coupled with the challenge of capturing them on camera, drew him to the hobby. Ahern emphasised the importance of understanding bird behaviour to improve his photography skills.
With its rich variety of birdlife, Oxley Creek Common has become a focal point for this burgeoning community. Professor Hugh Possingham, a former Queensland chief scientist and vice president of Birdlife Australia, has been observing birds at Oxley Creek for over twenty years and has witnessed a dramatic increase in the number of birdwatchers in the area.
This growth is supported by data from Birdlife Australia’s Great Aussie Bird Count. Participation in the annual event has skyrocketed from 8,000 people in 2014 to almost 70,000 in 2024, with over 4.3 million birds counted this year. Sean Dooley believes the quieter environment during the pandemic heightened people’s awareness of birdlife.
The changing demographics of birdwatching are also noteworthy. Professor Possingham noted a shift from the traditional image of birdwatchers as “old white men wearing suits and ties.” Today, the birdwatching community is more diverse, with people of all ages and backgrounds participating.
Published Date 12-December-2024