Citizen Science and Bird Survey Workshop

Citizen Science and Bird Survey Workshop
📍 North Ridge Reserve, Cooma
🗓️ Saturday, October 18, 2025
🕐 1:00pm – 3:30pm

Join us for an afternoon workshop exploring how everyday people can make a big difference for native birds and biodiversity through citizen science!

Led by Ricki Coughlan – author, experienced bird guide, and avian expert – this practical session will introduce two powerful tools:
🔎 Birdata – used for standardised bird surveys across Australia
📷 iNaturalist – for recording a wide range of plant and animal observations

You’ll learn how to conduct a simple bird survey, submit useful data to national projects, and better understand the species living around you. We’ll head outdoors to practise survey techniques and make observations together.

🧠 You’ll walk away with:
• Skills to use Birdata and iNaturalist confidently
• An understanding of how your data contributes to science
• The ability to start or join regular bird monitoring in your area
• A free local native shrub to take home and plant for bird habitat
• Inspiration to get involved in your local nature community!

🎒 Bring a water bottle, smartphone or tablet (if you have one), and curiosity.

All welcome – suitable for all ages and experience levels.

🔗 For more info: snowymonarobirds@gmail.com

This event is proudly supported by BirdLife Southern NSW, Snowy Monaro Regional Council, Wagtail Natives Nursery, and Aussie Wild Nature Discovery. Funding provided by BirdLife Australia’s Community Grants Program.

Participants are welcome to register for other events:
https://events.humanitix.com/host/birds-of-the-snowy-monaro-supported-by-birdlife-southern-nsw

Full weekend schedule:

Friday, October 17 – Jindabyne

• 3:30-5:00pm – Library Author Talk with Ricki Coughlan

Saturday, October 18 – Cooma

• 8:00–10:30am – Birdwatching Ramble & ID Tips: North Ridge Reserve

• 11:00am–12:30pm – Library Author Talk with Ricki Coughlan

• 1:00–3:30pm – Citizen Science Workshop – Birdata & iNaturalist: North Ridge Reserve (practical workshop including bird survey)

Sunday, October 19 – Berridale

• 8:00–10:30am – Bird Walk & Birdata/iNaturalist Survey: Gegedzerick TSR, Berridale

• 11:00am – 1:00pm - Bird Ecology & ID Workshop with Ricki Coughlan: Berridale Community Hall