Activities

Field Outings

Contact: activities@birdingnsw.org.au
The Club holds field outings most weekends, and there are presently two mid-week outings each month. Field trips range from a half-day’s birding at local sites to day trips to habitats further afield. Longer trips are arranged throughout the year. Accommodation for these varies from camping to motels.
see Field Outings and Meetings

Participants attending club outings are limited to 25 including the leader.

Cancellations
WARNING: In cases of total fire bans or major flooding, it may be necessary to cancel field activities The leader will contact those who have booked for the activity.

To join a Field Outing

  • Read the newsletter or website for details.
  • Check on the website for the latest updates.
  • Book in advance at activities@birdingnsw.org.au for Sydney outings or by contacting the leader for Central Coast outings, see Twitcher.
  • Sign the attendance sheet at each event.
  • Bring your morning tea and lunch.

Ethical Birdwatching Guidlines

  • Do not stress birds or expose them to danger.
  • Keep an appropriate distance from all birds while observing.
  • Do not disturb birds when they are feeding, roosting or nesting. 
  • Keep habitat disturbance and modification to a minimum. Stay on paths, trails etc.
  • Do not enter private property without permission.
  • Use spotlights and call playback for the least time necessary. Never use drones or flash.
  • Avoid handling birds except when absolutely necessary (e.g. an injured bird in danger)
  • When photographing, ensure there is no disturbance to birds near nests, core territories
    or favourite feeding or drinking sites 
  • When providing food or water for native birds, do it safely and appropriately for the birds.

Meetings
Both the Sydney and Central Coast branches of BNSW hold monthly meetings, Sydney on the first Tuesday (except January) at the Sydney Mechanics School of the Arts in Pitt Street and the Central Coast Group on the fourth Tuesday (except December) at the Tuggerah Progress Hall.

The meetings follow a similar format with any necessary Club business presented first, usually followed by a speaker with an audio-visual presentation. Topics range across the spectrum of birdwatchers’ interests, from scientific papers to trip reports. The meeting closes with reports from members of unusual bird sightings over the past month. An informal supper provides members with an opportunity to chat.

Both branches hold an annual Photographic Competition, although the categories for prizes are different, and each year the Central Coast Group hold a Members’ Night, with a guest speaker replaced by contributions from Group participants on bird-related events or observations they have experienced. The Club’s AGM is held at the at the Sydney December meeting, which is also the occasion of the Arnold McGill Memorial Lecture.

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