Col Kohlhagen has nurtured a passion for plumage since primary school.
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However, the member of Birdlife Southern Highlands only seriously took up the hobby in the last 20 to 25 years.
"I've bird watched all my life," he said.
"It's free and doesn't shut on public holidays."
The seasoned veteran was keen to offer advice for people undertaking this year's Aussie Backyard Bird Count.
The bird count will be held from October 21 to 27 where residents are encouraged to spend 20 minutes cataloging the bird life in their backyard.
Col's first piece of advice for newly hatched watchers was to keep an eye out and look at what's around them.
"You'll be amazed at just how many birds you can see in your backyard," he said.
His second nugget of wisdom was to get a good guide book and start making a list. He said there were some great apps that could be downloaded to help budding twitchers.
The feather fanatic said people could observe more than 25 different bird species just in their backyard alone.
He said it was important to take notes about the size, colour and shape of the animal and to establish points of reference.
Col said bird watching was an important environmental activity to engage people.
"Unless birdwatchers keep an eye out lots of species can disappear without people knowing," he said.
"Bird life along with frogs are very good indicators of the health of the environment."
While Col's favourite bird is the Gang Gang cockatoo he said "there are lots of really interesting birds in the Southern Highlands."
There are more than 260 different species of bird to discover in the area.
Col said spring was the busiest time of year for birds nesting. The animals have the brightest plumage and the loudest call in the springtime.
Birdlife Southern Highlands will hold a Brekkie with the Birds event on October 26.
Visit aussiebirdcount.org.au for more information on the Aussie Backyard Bird Count.
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