What’s On
Birdwatching, photography and other bird-related events across Australia.
Add your event using this form.
Australia-wide
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Where: your local area
What: Want a new way to improve your birdwatching skills, without straying too far from home? The Weekend Birder community are doing a Local Big Year in 2024 to see how many species they can see in their local area. Participation is online and free. Join the fun!
More info: weekendbirder.com/local-big-year-2024
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Where: your local area
What: These seasonal bird surveys are super simple to do, and it’s free to take part. All you have to do is hop onto the Birdata website or the Birdata app, and follow the instructions. It only takes 20 minutes, plus a moment to jot down some simple information about your garden. Anybody can participate. The data you gather is vitally important for BirdLife Australia’s team of scientists.
More info: birdlife.org.au/events/birds-in-backyards-seasonal-surveys/
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Where: ACT, NSW, QLD and VIC
What: The Swift Parrot Search collects data on this species, the availability of foraging resources and other threatened other woodland birds in the area. There are nearly two thousand permanent monitoring sites on public land throughout south-eastern mainland Australia. Birdwatchers are asked to undertake a 5-minute/50-metre radius search at each fixed site location.
More info: birdlife.org.au/events/swift-parrot-search/
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Where: South-eastern Queensland, eastern NSW, ACT, eastern Victoria
What: This BirdLife Australia citizen science event collects data across the distribution of the South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo. Participant citizen scientists spend one hour (or more) at any time during the Count weekend exploring their selected survey site to collect data on Glossies and their feeding habitat. Join the Count as a group or bring a friend along for a great opportunity to enjoy time in nature while supporting the recovery of threatened birds.
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Where: your local area
What: Taking part is easy in BirdLife Australia’s Aussie Bird Count. Just spend 20 minutes in your favourite outdoor space and count the birds you see. Submit your results using the app or the web form. There’s a built-in “bird finder” tool to help you identify birds you’re unsure of. You can count as many times as you want. Every count collects data for scientific research.
More info: aussiebirdcount.org.au
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
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Where: Canberra region
What: This group offers regular birding outings, which are ideal for beginners to learn from the experts in the field. They conduct monthly meetings with informative and entertaining presentations. There are weekend expeditions to more remote destinations at least twice a year. The group also participates in a number of conservation projects, including local bird surveys.
More info: canberrabirds.org.au/our-activities/
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Where: across the ACT
What: Parks ACT runs a series of workshops for people of all ages in the bushland reserves and national parks of the ACT.
More info: parks.act.gov.au/things-to-do/whats-on
New South Wales (NSW)
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Where: Diamond Bay
What: Celebrate summer by getting to know your local birds better. Join a small group on a guided walk around Diamond Bay. Enjoy the stunning cliff top views and the birdlife found in these beautiful parks and reserves. Guided Bird Walk includes guidance on how to identify local bird species by sight and sound, practice spotting birds, and using binoculars. You will get a local bird list to take home.
More info: events.humanitix.com/summerama-bird-walk-diamond-bay
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Where: The Corner Gallery, Percival Rd & Myrtle St, Stanmore
What: Is there a bird you accidently noticed or unexpectedly encountered or one that made your heart skip a beat & fall in love with? The One that ignited your birding passion or made you appreciate your local feathered friends. If so, this is your “Spark bird” a term used by birders to describe that first bird that got them seriously interested in birding. This exhibition is very personal, it not only celebrates favourite birds, we will be sharing stories from our hearts about the flighty friends we first noticed that got us a little obsessed! This exhibition is held in in conjunction with National Bird Week. 20% of exhibition sales are always donated to BirdLife Australia.
More info: ww.birdweekaustralia.com
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Where: across Sydney
What: This budding Sydney-based bird watching group is for people who love birds, outdoor walks, and photography. All abilities welcome.
More info: https://birb.watch/
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Where: Hunter Region, from Catherine Hill Bay in the south to Diamond Head in the north, and inland to Cassilis
What: With well over 350 members, this club encompasses people of all ages and levels of experience. It is a very active club with a full calendar of events, a bimonthly newsletter, and interests in research (field studies) and conservation. Those who are keen to see new birds are also well catered for, with the Club’s Hunterbirding internet forum regularly supplying breaking news about where uncommon or rare birds have been seen within the Region.
More info: hboc.org.au
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Where: Illawara area
What: This birding club based in Wollongong and affiliated with Birdlife Australia. Everyone is welcome to attend their weekday and weekend bird walks and events, including visiting birders and those new to birding. Each year, they conduct a New Year Twitch, where individuals or teams record as many bird species as possible. There is also an annual Big Year Competition, in which individuals record as many species as possible in a calandar year.
More info: illawarrabirders.org
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Where: across Sydney
What: Sydney Bird Club was founded to help people discover the magical world of Australian birds. With a Sydney-centric focus, they take casual bird-watchers through the steps to become full blown twitchers with plenty of stops along the way for a pint. Meet-ups, bird walks and events happen regularly.
More info: sydneybirdclub.com
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Where: Municipality of Deniliquin, and Murray, Conargo and Barham Shires and surrounding areas
What: As well as conducting, regular outings, this group also has an active email bird sightings tree that branch members may like to join.
More info: birdlife.org.au/groups/birdlife-bendigo-echuca-district/
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Where: north-western corner of Victoria - Mildura and surrounding districts, as well as the river towns in NSW and beyond, extending from Wagga Wagga in south-western NSW to Charlton in Victoria
What: Members get together at monthly meetings in Mildura on the first Tuesday evening of every month. In addition to monthly birdwatching outings, this group also conducts regular bird surveys at the Trust for Nature’s Ned’s Corner Station.
More info: birdlife.org.au/groups/birdlife-mildura/
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Where: North-eastern NSW, from the Queensland border south to Port Macquarie and inland to Broken Hill
What: This group advocates for the protection of native birds and their habitat. They are active in creating signs, posters and Bird Routes brochures to raise awareness of migratory and resident shorebirds. Members are also involved in a number of bird surveys. Two campouts are held each year.
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Where: Albury–Wodonga region, extending south to Mansfield and north to Holbrook
What: This group organises monthly outings to interesting birdwatching spots throughout the district. They are held on the first weekend of the month. Each year they also try to include a weekend campout to a fantastic birding location further afield.
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Where: Shire of Shoalhaven, from near Gerringong to north of Batemans Bay, and west to (but not including) the Southern Highlands
What: This group organises at least one outing to an interesting birdwatching location in our region each month. They hold meetings three or four times a year, where guest presenters give talks about all matters bird and conservation. They also conduct vital conservation research across the region.
More info: birdlife.org.au/groups/birdlife-shoalhaven/
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Where: Southern Highlands of NSW
What: Members can take part in a range of birdwatching activities, information nights, community events and local conservation projects, whether they are just starting out in birdwatching or experienced ornithologists. Monthly outings – both mid-week and on weekends – involve visiting special birdwatching locations. The group also participates in a number of conservation projects and activities.
More info: birdlife.org.au/groups/birdlife-southern-highlands/
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Where: from Port Macquarie and Broken Hill, south to the Murray
What: BirdLife Southern NSW holds regular, free, guided bird walks on the last Sunday of each month. The Discovery Centre often hosts workshops and outings. Members are also involved in bird conservation projects and awareness-raising programs, including the popular EagleCAM.
Northern Territory (NT)
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Where: Kakadu National Park
What: Kakadu is the perfect place to discover and learn all about the unique species of birds living in this magical part of the world, which is dual World Heritage-listed for both its natural and cultural values. During Bird Week, visitors and viewers are treated to specialist lectures, cultural events and some of Australia's best birdwatching.
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Where: Various locations around Darwin-Garramilla
What: Celebrate shorebirds in Darwin-Garramilla, Northern Territory. The aim of the festival is to engage and ignite the community about shorebirds through the arts and sciences. There is something for everyone - all welcome.
More info: shorebirdfestival.com.au
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Where: Alice Springs, as well as the area from Roxby Downs to Tennant Creek
What: This group holds monthly meetings in the education room at the Alice Springs Desert Park, taking place on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm
More info: birdlife.org.au/groups/birdlife-central-australia/
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Where: Top End of the Northern Territory, including Darwin
What: This group organises a range of activities and events including outings, bird surveys, community engagement and displays, birdwatching events, conferences and support birding festivals. Members also participate in a number of conservation projects.
More info: birdlife.org.au/groups/birdlife-top-end/
Queensland (QLD)
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Where: Bellara, Bribie Island
What: Hosted by the National Parks Association of Queensland (NPAQ), you will visit Bibimulya Wetlands and Kakadu Beach with the guidance of an experienced birdwatcher.
More info: npaq.org.au/events/birdwatching-2023-11-19-sandy-camp-road-wynnum/
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Where: Ashgrove, Brisbane
What: Hosted by the National Parks Association of Queensland (NPAQ), you will visit Banks Street Reserve and Enoggera Creek with the guidance of an experienced birdwatcher.
More info: npaq.org.au/events/birdwatching-2023-11-19-sandy-camp-road-wynnum-2/
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Where: Atherton Tablelands, near Cairns
What: The Crane Count has been running annually since 1997 to monitor the population of Sarus Cranes. Organised with the support of Birdlife North Queensland and a great team of volunteers. Held on a weekend in September each year.
More info: birdlifenq.org/crane-project
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Where: Walter Park, Cleveland
What: Hosted by the Toondah Alliance, this celebration is for World Migratory Bird Day. Watch shorebirds through long-range scopes, learn more about insects, koalas and other local wildlife, enjoy fun art activities. Plus great food and coffee, local musicians and market stalls.
More info: facebook.com/groups/acfbayside
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Where: Bribie Island
What: The Bribie Island Nature Festival was created to showcase the unique environment and natural beauty of Bribie Island.
Events include outdoor activities in stunning locations, cultural tours, visual arts exhibitions, an art trail of local galleries and artists’ studios and shops, workshops, guided nature walks, and talks and lectures by artists, scientists and community leaders.More info: bribieislandnaturefestival.com.au/
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Where: Wide Bay area of south-eastern Queensland
What: Members of BirdLife Bundaberg undertake regular shorebird surveys. They hold monthly outings, on the last Sunday of each month (except in December and January). These are usually day trips, though they also go on camping weekends (including that Sunday), though there are also occasional longer camping outings, particularly on long weekends. Visitors are always welcome.
More info: birdlife.org.au/groups/birdlife-bundaberg/
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Where: Capricorn Coast, Rockhampton and Gladstone, and west to Longreach and Winton
What: This group’s focus is on local bird-related activities, such as field trips throughout the area, conservation actions to protect birds, education activities to inform local communities and joint projects with local conservation groups to reach a wider audience. They also encourage family involvement with junior activities and family-friendly day trips.
More info: birdlife.org.au/groups/birdlife-capricornia/
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Where: Mackay region of Central Queensland
What: This group carries out monthly shorebird surveys and regular bird surveys in the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens. They also take part in the annual National Challenge Count, which occurs on the first weekend in December. Each September this group hosts Eungella Bird Week - four days of birdwatching while collecting vital data in the Eungella National Park and Clarke Ranges, capped off with dinners and guest speakers.
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Where: Western and Far North Queensland, the Gulf of Carpentaria, Cape York and Torres Strait
What: This group hosts a range of activities, including bird monitoring, education and recreational birdwatching. They regularly hold meetings with guest speakers, and they also conduct occasional workshops. There is the occasional camping trip to outstanding birding destinations over long weekends.
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Where: South-east Queensland
What: This group is for anyone interested in getting out in nature to experience the bird life of South-East QLD. We accept all ages and skill levels, from beginner to expert. The meetups are free.
More info: meetup.com/en-AU/bird-watching-se-qld/
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Where: from Maryborough to the NSW border and west for 1700 kms to the NT border past Birdsville
What: This group specialises in bird surveys with an emphasis on threatened species and habitats, especially in a number of Key Biodiversity Areas. There are seven local groups who have a rich program of birdwatching events and surveying activities in designated local areas. Their convenors are experts in the birds of their area and regularly host outings to various locations to enjoy the birds. Visitors and beginners are always welcome. The group also runs an education program with Birds Queensland for primary schools and home-schooling.
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Where: Townsville region
What: This group holds regular meetings on the second Saturday of each month, with each featuring an interesting guest speaker. They also conduct outings to one of the many interesting locations in the region in most months. In addition, they hold campouts on all long weekends throughout the year. There are also has active photography and social event groups.
More info: birdlife.org.au/groups/birdlife-townsville/
South Australia (SA)
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Where: Adelaide and surrounds
What: The theme for this year’s conference is ‘The Art of Bird Photography. The programme features leading bird photographers from Australia and our keynote speaker from South Africa, Richard Flack. They are fantastic photographers who will inspire you to take your bird photography to new heights. The conference is a five-day event, incorporating two days of local guided tours prior to the conference, the two-day conference, and a range of self-guided tours after the conference. Those who attend the conference can enjoy the full five days, just the two conference days, or whatever suits your schedule. It’s also a great opportunity to meet and network with other bird photographers.
More info: blpbc.birdlifephotography.org.au/
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Where: Alice Springs, as well as the area from Roxby Downs to Tennant Creek
What: This group holds monthly meetings in the education room at the Alice Springs Desert Park, taking place on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm
More info: birdlife.org.au/groups/birdlife-central-australia/
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Where: Kangaroo Island
What: This group undertakes social and conservation-based birdwatching activities across the island. Birding on Kangaroo Island is remarkably easy – over 260 species have been recorded and many are easily seen in very spectacular locations. Members also participate in a number of conservation projects and initiatives across the island.
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Where: Southeastern South Australia, from the mallee to the coast
What: There are many different activities and events that this group runs - annual monthly outings and seasonal campouts, the Twitchathon and Bird Quiz, and the October Long Weekend Campout. Members are also involved in a number of bird conservation projects.
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Where: across South Australia
What: This group welcomes both serious and casual bird watchers of any age. The group holds monthly meetings regular field trips. Two campouts are also held each year. Visitors are welcome. The Association has an extensive library containing books, journals, videos and tape recordings.
More info: birdssa.asn.au
Tasmania (TAS)
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Where: Tasmanian Arboretum, Eugenana (near Devonport)
What: Join a fun and educational Bird Survey at the Tasmanian Arboretum! Discover the fascinating world of birds and contribute to their conservation. This in-person event is perfect for nature enthusiasts of all ages. Explore the beautiful surroundings as we identify and record various bird species. Knowledgeable guides will share interesting facts and help you improve your bird-watching skills. Don't forget to bring your binoculars and cameras to capture these stunning creatures in action. Come and be a part of our Bird Survey and help us protect these feathered friends!
More info: eventbrite.com.au/e/800385132477?aff=oddtdtcreator
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Where: Bruny Island
What: This three-day Festival is jointly presented by the Bruny Island Environment Network, BirdLife Tasmania and Inala Nature Tours. It draws on the wealth of knowledge and experience of experts in these groups to provide both an engaging and educative immersion in the natural delights of Bruny. Held every two years, each Festival brings new features and long-term favourites. In 2024, the Festival will continue to build on the four key elements of Community, Conservation, Science and Creativity to further involve the people of Bruny and Tasmania in the many tours, walks, workshops, lecturers, markets and cultural celebrations that are the Festival.
More info: www.brunybirdfestival.org
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Where: Tasmanian Arboretum, Eugenana (near Devonport)
What: Join in a fun and exciting morning of birdwatching at the Tasmanian Arboretum! Get ready to explore the beautiful surroundings while spotting a variety of colorful birds. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced bird enthusiast, this in-person event is perfect for everyone. Experienced guides will lead you through the Arboretum down to the Don River. Bring your binoculars, cameras, and enthusiasm as we embark on an adventure to document the stunning bird species that call the arboretum home. Mark your calendars and get ready to soar into an unforgettable bird survey experience!
More info: eventbrite.com.au/e/802007495007?aff=oddtdtcreator
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Where: Tasmanian Arboretum, Eugenana (near Devonport)
What: Join in a delightful Spring Birding Walk at the Tasmanian Arboretum! Get ready to explore the beauty of nature and discover a variety of fascinating bird species. This in-person event is perfect for bird enthusiasts of all levels. An experienced guide will lead you through the stunning arboretum, sharing their knowledge and pointing out different bird species along the way. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned birder, this walk is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the wonders of birdwatching. Don't miss out on this fantastic chance to connect with nature and enjoy the vibrant birdlife of spring!
More info: eventbrite.com.au/e/802005719697?aff=oddtdtcreator
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Where: across Tasmania
What: This group holds regular meetings for its members, featuring high quality speakers who talk about various interesting bird-related topics. They also conduct regular birdwatching outings to interesting locations. Members also conduct a number of bird surveys on a regular basis, including long-term summer and winter shorebird counts, waterfowl counts at Moulting Lagoon, and the annual south-east winter gull count.
More info: birdlife.org.au/groups/birdlife-tasmania/
Victoria (VIC)
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Where: Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne
What: Discover the wonderful world of the birds that call the Australian Garden home. Take a behind-the-scenes look at how they have shaped the country’s forests and wildflowers on a guided tour through the Australian Garden. See and hear them flying, feeding and nesting as you explore the landscape.
More info: rbg.vic.gov.au/cranbourne-gardens/what-s-on-cranbourne/birds-in-the-australian-garden/
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Where: Port Campbell
What: Come wait for the arrival of thousands of short tailed shearwater's after a day out to sea feeding. Learn about their absolutely amazing life history as we await their return. Suitable for all ages.
More info: eventbrite.com.au/e/marvellous-muttonbirds-tickets-765496940957
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Where: ten different locations along the Merri Creek and at Edwardes Lake
What: Joining in a bird survey on the Merri Creek is a great way to find out about our fascinating local birds. It's also an enjoyable get-together, with some gentle exercise. Information collected in the surveys is valuable in showing the changes in bird populations over time, including their response to habitat restoration and revegetation along the creek. Beginner birders are welcome.
More info: friendsofmerricreek.org.au/index.cfm?display=1166865
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Where: Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
What: Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne is full of incredible birdlife, from coots to cormorants, spinebills to swans. On this guided walk, spot water birds nesting around Ornamental Lake and delight in the sights and sounds of the birds that call the Gardens home. Continue your discovery with a take-home bird guide.
More info: rbg.vic.gov.au/melbourne-gardens/what-s-on-melbourne/secret-life-of-birds/
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Where: Tanunda Wetlands, Plenty Gorge, Bundoora
What: Join a Parks Victoria volunteer-led bird walk through Tanunda Wetlands at Plenty Gorge Park. Enjoy the serenity of the wetlands and observe the birds of Plenty Gorge Park. We will discover the large variety of birds that call Plenty Gorge home and learn about the habitat that supports them. This Park Walk is a medium difficulty walk that includes some steep hills and uneven ground. The walk is approximately 3 km and 2 hours duration.
More info: eventbrite.com.au/e/birds-of-plenty-gorge-tanunda-wetlands-park-walk-tickets-812709204107
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Where: Macedon Ranges Shire Council, Gisborne
What: Bird walk for beginners: join bird enthusiast and Biodiversity Project Officer Tanya Loos along Jacksons Creek for an hour with the birds.
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Where: Westgate Park, Melbourne city
What: Explore Westgate Park and learn about the birds that call it home through their song. Enjoy the unique scenery of Westgate Park on a free and relaxed ranger and volunteer-led walk. On this walk we will learn how to identify key bird species by their calls. Westgate Park is renowned as a birding hotspot, in this easy walk we will learn about the birds that call it home and the habitat that supports them. These walks are open to everyone and have been developed to accommodate for blind and vision impaired people to participate.
More info: parks.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/birdwatching/birding-by-ear
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Where: Central Ringwood Community Centre
What: Join Weekend Birder host Kirsty Costa for a walk around Ringwood Lake and discover the wonder of local birds. In this fun and interactive workshop, you will learn the basics of birdwatching, including how to identify local common birds by their appearance, call and behaviour. You will also discover how to use free apps to make birdwatching a bit easier. Suitable for all ages.
More info: https://www.socialplanet.com.au/activity/view?id=18546
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Where: Westgate Park, Port Melbourne
What: Early bird session! Explore Westgate Park by learning about the birds that call it home through their song on this Parks Victoria ranger and volunteer-led walk.
More info: eventbrite.com.au/e/birding-by-ear-westgate-sensory-park-walk-tickets-748172192167
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Where: Westgate Park, Melbourne
What: Enjoy the unique scenery of Westgate Park on a free and relaxed ranger and volunteer-led walk. On this walk we will learn how to identify key bird species by their calls. Westgate Park is renowned as a birding hotspot, in this easy 1.5 hour long walk we will learn about the birds that call it home and the habitat that supports them.
More info: eventbrite.com.au/e/birding-by-ear-westgate-park-sensory-walk-tickets-748172192167
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Where: Trin Warren Tam-boore Wetland - Royal Park, Melbourne
What: Join the Friends of Royal Park for a meditative stroll around the wetlands, skink habitat and remnant bush in the north-west corner of the Royal Park. These occur every couple of months at 11am, and provide us with a wonderful opportunity to monitor and marvel at the bird life of the park.
More info: royalpark.org.au/birds/
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Where: Westgate Park, Melbourne city
What: Get up with the birds and enjoy an early birding session close to the CBD on this Parks Victoria ranger and volunteer-led walk. We will also enjoy a few sensory activities to tune up our sense of hearing.
More info: eventbrite.com.au/e/up-with-the-birds-birding-by-ear-breakfast-session-tickets-894211349217 -
Where: Westgate Park, Melbourne
What: Enjoy the unique scenery of Westgate Park on a free and relaxed ranger and volunteer-led walk. On this walk we will learn how to identify key bird species by their calls. Westgate Park is renowned as a birding hotspot, in this easy 1.5 hour long walk we will learn about the birds that call it home and the habitat that supports them.
More info: eventbrite.com.au/e/birding-by-ear-westgate-park-sensory-walk-tickets-748172192167
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Where: CERES - Joe's Market Garden, Coburg
What: Take part in the Aussie Bird Count and get to know the beautiful birds of the Merri Creek. Join in 2 x 20 minute counting slots at 11am and 12pm. Entry is free, with the option of attending a paid bird language workshop or a guided bird walk along the Merri Creek. There will be market stalls, a bird themed raffle, kids activities, music and more!
More info: events.humanitix.com/ceres-joe-s-bird-count-picnic-2024
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Where: Yinnar & District Memorial Hall, 14 Main Street, Yinnar
What: Friends of Morwell National Park invite you to the launch of our new publication, Birds of Morwell National Park. The book contains photographs and notes for over 100 species that have been recorded in the Park, along with stories from Gunaikurnai people, advice for beginner birdwatchers and other interesting information. Special guest at the launch is Sean Dooley of BirdLife Australia. Bookings are essential.
More info:
eventbrite.com.au/e/book-launch-birds-of-morwell-national-park-tickets-1025282837567and
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Where: Macedon
What: A magical weekend celebrating Place, Story & Nature through the written and spoken word via an incredible lineup of experts, writers and performers. Meet authors, listen to music, immerse yourself in a nature workshop and more. Fun for the whole family.
More info: mountainfestival.com.au
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Where: Most of the Bass Coast Shire, extending from the coastline of Western Port, east to Cape Liptrap and north to the Strzelecki Ranges, and includes Phillip Island and French Island
What: This is primarily a birdwatching group, but they’re also concerned with the conservation of birds and their habitats. On their twice-monthly outings, members enjoy a stroll through the bush, around wetlands, along a beach or in a forest — often in an area we haven’t visited previously — where they often spot a wide range of species. As the group looks for birds, they often discuss topics like bird identification, so most participants learn something new each time. Members are also involved in a variety of volunteer activities.
More info: birdlife.org.au/groups/birdlife-bass-coast/
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Where: Ballarat, Clunes, Linton, Maryborough and Newstead
What: This busy and growing group offers a range of activities, outings and innovative outreach programs. The group holds regular monthly outings and meetings that are open to everyone.
More info: birdlife.org.au/groups/birdlife-ballarat/
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Where: Bayside area of Melbourne, but anyone can be a member as activities range far and wide
What: The aim of this group is to promote responsible birdwatching as an enjoyable recreation, leading to increased knowledge about Australian birds and a better understanding of their habitat requirements in the Bayside area. The group holds monthly meetings from February to November, and also conduct outings to go and see the varied wildlife and bird habitats of the area. These outings are led by an experienced bird observer. Most of our outings are free for visitors and members alike.
More info: birdlife.org.au/groups/birdlife-bayside/
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Where: Bellarine Peninsula, east of Geelong
What: This is a small group of bird enthusiasts dedicated to observing birds. The group draws its membership primarily from the Bellarine Peninsula and Geelong, but also has members from as far afield as Melbourne. Outings are generally conducted on the first Wednesday and third Sunday of most months. They welcome visitors and newcomers, including complete beginners. Their members will help you find birds, and they usually have spare binoculars available.
More info: birdlife.org.au/groups/birdlife-bellarine/
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Where: City of Greater Bendigo, and Campaspe, Gannawarra and Loddon Shires and surrounding areas
What: As well as conducting, regular outings, this group also has an active email bird sightings tree that branch members may like to join.
More info: birdlife.org.au/groups/birdlife-bendigo-echuca-district/
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Where: Castlemaine district, Central Victoria
What: This group holds monthly bird walks on the first Saturday morning of each month. All ages and birding abilities are welcome. If you’d like to learn how to record your bird lists using Birdata, or brush up on your survey skills, this group aims to conduct at least one survey each bird walk. On the first Sunday of each month, they also hold a Nature Journaling session for anyone who’s interested.
More info: birdlife.org.au/groups/birdlife-castlemaine-district/
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Where: East Gippsland and Wellington Shires in Victoria’s east
What: This group conducts regular Monday morning birding outings to a range of locations. They also conduct surveys of birds at 23 selected sites around the Gippsland Lakes twice each year for the Key Biodiversity Area Program. Members also take part in the annual Great Pelican Count across the Gippsland Lakes. They also run several birding camps each year.
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Where: Hamilton, Harrow to Southern Grampians in the north, Digby in the south, west to Casterton and beyond
What: This group holds monthly outings throughout the year. They also hold camping trips twice a year, heading off to different areas and habitats around Victoria and adjoining parts of south-eastern South Australia. They also occasionally hold joint outings with other branches of BirdLife Australia in adjoining regions.
More info: birdlife.org.au/groups/birdlife-hamilton/
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Where: Wimmera district of western Victoria
What: This group holds monthly outings to visit different sites and habitats in the local area on the first Sunday of each month. Outings usually start at the Horsham Library. They also usually hold one or two campouts each year, heading to more distant locations. Occasional talks and presentations are also offered to members.
More info: birdlife.org.au/groups/birdlife-horsham/
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Where: Metropolitan Melbourne
What: This group runs a wide variety of activities (birdwatching and bird surveys), visiting some fantastic birding areas, both in the Melbourne area and beyond. This includes photography and beginners’ outings.
More info: birdlife.org.au/groups/birdlife-melbourne/
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Where: north-western corner of Victoria - Mildura and surrounding districts, as well as the river towns in NSW and beyond, extending from Wagga Wagga in south-western NSW to Charlton in Victoria
What: Members get together at monthly meetings in Mildura on the first Tuesday evening of every month. In addition to monthly birdwatching outings, this group also conducts regular bird surveys at the Trust for Nature’s Ned’s Corner Station.
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Where: Mornington Peninsula Shire
What: This group conducts regular outings, on the second Wednesday and third Sunday of each month. Newcomers, beginners and visitors are all welcome, and members will help you with spotting and identifying the birds. Binoculars for casual use are available on every outing. This group also monitors the bird nesting boxes they’ve erected in local bushland.
More info: birdlife.org.au/groups/birdlife-mornington-peninsula/
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Where: Shepparton and the surrounding Goulburn Valley in northern Victoria, including the Goulburn River catchment, the Strathbogie Plateau, parts of Victoria’s High Country, Mt. Samaria, the Warby Ranges and points in between
What: This group holds birding outings monthly and normally go on an annual extended camp, which can be held in other parts of Victoria. They also do quarterly surveys at Winton Wetlands, and regular surveys at the Australian Botanic Gardens (Shepparton) as well as the Violet Town and Euroa areas. Several members participate in Birds on Farms surveys. They have an active Facebook group where interesting bird sightings can be reported.
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Where: Albury–Wodonga region, extending south to Mansfield and north to Holbrook
What: This group organises monthly outings to interesting birdwatching spots throughout the district. They are held on the first weekend of the month. Each year they also try to include a weekend campout to a fantastic birding location further afield.
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Where: Warrnambool in south-western Victoria, from Timboon in the east, west to the SA border
What: This group holds regular birdwatching outings, usually within an hour or two’s drive from Warrnambool (though occasionally a little farther), on the first Saturday of every month except January. Each year, they also organise a campout or two at a great birdwatching location beyond the region.
More info: birdlife.org.au/groups/birdlife-warrnambool/
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Where: the Yarra Valley and surrounding areas, such as Lilydale, Healesville, Yarra Glen and Warburton
What: This is group holds bimonthly meetings on the second Tuesday of February, April, August and October. They also regularly hold outings on the second Saturday and fourth Wednesday of the month.
More info: birdlife.org.au/groups/birdlife-yarra-valley/
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Where: Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
What: The Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne is full of incredible birdlife. The Birding Group is for everyone interested in birds of the RBGM and their conservation. Liz Hackett, the Birding Group coordinator, will guide you through the walk with tips and informative content so you can discover the magical world of birds.
More info: rbgfriendsmelbourne.org/friends-groups/birding-walk/
Western Australia (WA)
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Where: south-west of a line between Geraldton and Esperance
What: The Great Cocky Count is a citizen-science survey, and the biggest single survey for black-cockatoos in WA. In the lead-up to the Count each year, people are asked to keep an eye out for roost sites, which helps BirdLife plan the upcoming Count. Then, on one evening each autumn, volunteers monitor known roost sites and count black-cockatoos as they arrive in the evening. Records submitted from across the South West provide a snapshot of black-cockatoo populations, helping scientists quantify changes in their numbers.
More info: birdlife.org.au/events/great-cocky-count/
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Where: Christmas Island
What: Explore the unique birdlife on Christmas Island during this annual event. Bird lovers are offered the opportunity to get up close and personal to nature and all Christmas Island has to offer. Experienced and passionate guides, working in research and specialising in birds, help bring guests and the unique fauna and flora on Christmas Island closer together. Numbers for the event are capped to keep the group manageable and the experience intimate for guests. The group is broken down into smaller groups and rotated through a different activity each day. The guides can manage varying abilities through their program – your safety and comfort is paramount.
More info:
christmas.net.au/experiences/bird-watching-holidays/bird-n-nature-week/
and
indianoceanexperiences.com.au/packages/bird-and-nature-week/ -
Where: Greater Perth–Peel Region
What: Take part in the Alcoa Foundation Spring Cocky Count, monitoring Forest Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos at their evening roost sites. This information helps BirdLife understand their seasonal movements and informs conservation efforts.
More info: birdlife.org.au/events/alcoa-foundation-spring-cocky-count/
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Where: the entire state of Western Australia as well as Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Christmas Island and Ashmore Reef
What: This is an active group with a wide variety of activities for members and the general community. There are excursions and bird surveys, community education, meetings, projects among other activities. To find out what’s on, check out their events section and join like minded people who are enthusiastic about native birds.
More info: birdlife.org.au/groups/birdlife-wa/
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Where: outer Perth Metropolitan Area
What: Rainbow Lorikeets are a declared pest in WA, and their numbers have exploded since their introduction in the 1960s, increasing from 10 individuals to over 40,000. Report your sightings of Rainbow Lorikeets from across the outer Perth Metropolitan Area.
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Where: South-West WA
What: CockyWatch road surveys are a citizen science initiative that will help BirdLife Australia find out more about the black-cockatoos of the South West. Anybody can participate, anywhere from north of Kalbarri to east of Esperance. All you need to do is be in transit – if your drive is longer than 20 kilometres, or you’re walking/cycling for at least 2 kilometres, you can conduct a CockyWatch survey.
More info: birdlife.org.au/events/cockywatch/