Bird identification courses
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| Easy Start - newcomers to birding learn the basics in a relaxed enjoyable manner. Photo: C.Ivin |
Developing our knowledge
Most of us still want to find out more about these wonderful creatures called birds.
With Birds Queensland, people can learn more through its community presentations, the use of the especially prepared Bird ID tables/brochures, and in the company of its members on outings and birding activities. We follow this up in two practical ways:
- the Easy Start program, outings designed especially for new comers; and,
- a two-level staged bird identification course that combines programmed use of the best guide books interpreted by experienced birders, together with selected outings to ensure a practical approach is used with birding.
Easy Start
Birds Queensland has arranged a regular bird watching outing called "Easy Start". This is a special program for anyone who needs help in learning to identify our local bush birds and where they might be found, or even if they would just like an extra outing amongst the birds!
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| A strategic tea break for a discussion of the morning sightings. Photo: C.Ivin |
These relaxed outings are usually arranged on the fourth Sunday of each month and start at 7:00am or 7:30am (depending on the season). These outings take about two hours.
Bring your own morning tea, insect repellent, sunscreen, hat and drinking water. Although the outings are mostly in locations where there are prepared paths or marked tracks, it is recommended that solid shoes, hat and suitable clothing are worn that protects the skin from sun and the occasional insect .
Because binoculars and field guides are extremely useful for observing the smaller birds, Birds Queensland has up to ten pairs of binoculars and field guides available for participants.
For further information about upcoming Easy Start outings, please contact by email or telephone 3870 8076.
Members and newcomers are most welcome at any of the general outing activities. These are led by experienced birders but with a more relaxed approach that lets each person to enjoy the natural environment and learn more about birds at their own pace. You will have the opportunity to ask questions, meet others of the society, watch birds in their natural habitats, and contribute to the society's data base of bird observation.
Birds Queensland bird identification courses
These follow a more structured approach to give participants a solid foundation of identification skills and knowledge about birds. Details of the two courses follow.
Introductory course
This is a short course in the identification of the birds to be found within SE Queensland. It is being offered by Birds Queensland volunteers. Participants will learn to identify birds in general; to recognise the birds to be found in the Brisbane area, and to gain insights into their characteristics and behaviour.
The course has two evening sessions conducted between 7 and 9 pm, usually held in September. Two field outings are held on the Saturday and Sunday of the weekend between the evening sessions. Field Guides and course notes are provided for use during the course. Slides, tape recordings and photos are used. Obtain a copy of the latest flyer (PDF, 8 KB).
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| Advanced Bird ID Course in session. Photo: C.Ivin |
Advanced course.
This course, usually held in May, follows the same format as for the Introductory course but extends the list of birds to be considered. It is most suitable for those who have completed the Introductory course or already have a general knowledge of the birds of SE Queensland. Obtain a copy of the latest flyer (PDF, 8 KB).
Topics such as how to identify the "Little Brown Birds", Cuckoos, Birds of Prey, and Fairy-wrens are presented. Field Guides and comprehensive course notes are provided. The use of binoculars and telescopes is more thoroughly explained. Slides, tape recordings and photos are used as best suits the particular subjects to be covered.
Both of these courses each cost only $25.00 per person to cover the preparation of course notes, the handouts, and morning teas and suppers included. During the outings for these two courses, please follow the precautions detailed with the "Easy Start" outings section above. Bookings for both courses can be made by contacting (email or telephone 3870 8076) or Peter Crow (telephone 3398 5118).
Further support
The Queensland Wader Studies Group conducts courses on waders, including information about their migration, behaviour and identification.
Birds Queensland has an excellent library of audio-visual aids, book references, and serial publications on all aspects of birds and birding. Members have full access to the Birds Queensland Library Catalogue by arrangement with the particular librarian office bearers looking after these different sections. (Refer also to the Contact Us page).
See also the web pages in the Information section for bird identification tables, references, and fact sheets.
