Are you interested in learning how to identify birds and become part of an ongoing monitoring program? Dr. Greg Kerr from Nature Glenelg Trust is looking for 20 people to participate in a community bird monitoring training. The program aims to foster a skilled body of community members across the region capable of carrying out bird surveys to facilitate monitoring programs, improve community awareness of biodiversity and advance community involvement in environmental activities. The program will provide training in:
Key characteristics of each bird family to enable effective use of field guides;
o the layout of field guides and bird apps to rapidly select the appropriate sections for species observed;
o bird anatomy, feathers and colouration for identification;
o identification of birds of the region by sight;
o deciding when you can’t identify a bird;
o use of binoculars and telescopes;
o bird behaviour, movement patterns, habitat and microhabitat use to facilitate identification;
o identification of birds by call and use of bird apps to facilitate this;
o use of audio recorders to record bird calls for later ID;
o a range of field experiences in bird identification under expert guidance;
o bird speciation and evolution
o protocols to survey birds and use GPSs and Avenza Maps;
o effective data recording into the Birdlife Australia Birdata App; and
o data overview and submission to database (e.g. birdata) for storage and analysis.
Key outcomes include:
o facilitating people to purchase and use high quality equipment including binoculars and field guides;
o establishment of a specialist friendship group with expert members facilitating ongoing learning and knowledge sharing.
o provision of, and participation in, future monitoring programs.
The course will run for 10-weeks (4 hours / week) in Koroit in autumn this year:
Where: Koroit Railway Station, Bourke Ave, Koroit.
When: Wednesday 6, 13, 20 & 27 March 3, 10, 17, & 24 April, and 1, & 8 May,
Time: 5 PM – 9 PM
People who are interested in attending the course will need to contact Dr. Greg Kerr via email (greg.kerr@ngt.org.au) to book in.
Photo credit: Buff-banded Rail captured Raz Brewer.
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