As a self-declared, licensed Chook Nerd, yearly Eva finds herself eagerly anticipating the annual Aussie Chook Depend for weeks prematurely, like a child at Christmas. To fill the time between now and the following depend, she’s made the final word information for determining for those who’re a Chook Nerd too.
They will usually be seen on seashores, in nationwide parks and in botanic gardens, shifting slowly via bushes, gazing ever upward into the bushes, sometimes with binoculars in hand. Though as soon as thought of endangered, The Chook Nerd is making a unprecedented comeback by infecting on a regular basis Australians with their data and enthusiasm.
Though signs might fluctuate in energy, there are some clear indicators to maintain an eye fixed out for. Right here’s how one can inform for those who’ve turn out to be a Chook Nerd.
Pay attention: If You’re Making an attempt to Discover 700+ Chook Species on a Pushbike, You’re a Chook Nerd For Positive
Stage 1: Early Indicators
- Seeing a chook and having a robust want to know the creature not merely as ‘a bird’, however by its actual title
- Googling a chook you’ve seen to try to determine it then questioning ‘Surely there’s an app for this…’ (spoiler alert sure there are lots of apps for that)
- Questioning if there’s a greater technique to get a more in-depth take a look at the birds, maybe in case your eyes might one way or the other zoom in…
Learn extra: Why Birdwatching Will Enhance Your Subsequent Journey
Stage 2: The Transition Has Begun
- Hikes take longer, probably as a result of have to pause in curiosity every time you hear a rustle or a chook music close by (‘What was that…’)
- You’ve found the great thing about eyes that zoom aka binoculars!
Learn extra: Greatest Birdwatching Binoculars for Recognizing Your Feathered Pals
- When somebody factors out a chook, as an alternative of claiming ‘Oh cool’ you say ‘Oh cool, a White throated tree creeper’
- Your willingness to rise up early has elevated dramatically. Early worm will get the chook, or no matter
- You have got a written tally of birds you’ve seen
- You’ve begun connecting and bonding with different transitioning Chook Nerds
Stage 3: Chook Nerd Transition Full
- You’ve received a second checklist of birds you actually wish to see however haven’t noticed but
- You’ve perfected the artwork of the silent stroll on even the crunchiest of path surfaces
- You have got the power to get binoculars adjusted and out of your bag whereas not taking your eyes off the chook you simply noticed.
- You have got a chook e book full of written notes and canine eared corners
- You actively plan hikes and different adventures to search out cool uncommon birds
- You have got a favorite chook. Really, you most likely have just a few favourites you wrestle to decide on between
- You get so excited for chook week that you simply signal as much as the Aussie Chook Depend two months prematurely (that is 100% autobiographical)
- Spending 4 nights on a distant island to depend 240 penguins appears like a dream come true to you
Learn extra: Why I Spent 4 Nights on a Distant Island Counting 240 Penguins
For those who’ve found, upon studying this checklist, that you’re the truth is a chook nerd, congratulations! It’s not a curse, however a blessing. Be free to embrace the total extent of your nerdiness and be sure you self-medicate with common walks in nature and a few good high quality chook chat, or time spent listening to chook playlists, at the least as soon as per week.
For those who occur to come across a Chook Nerd within the wild, method eagerly, with an open thoughts and a willingness to pay attention and discuss for hours about birds. However beware! Interactions like these are extremely contagious and you might discover that quickly sufficient you turn out to be a Chook Nerd your self.
The Aussie Chook Depend takes place each October! Join now to doc the birds you see in your native space.
