Make Your Birding Count: Citizen Science Walk - September

COME BIRD WITH ME - BECOME A CITIZEN SCIENTIST
Meeting Point: Lookout Point, Calga Reserve, Bronte

Make Your Birding Count is a guided bird walk that teaches you how to become a Citizen Scientist! By learning to accurately record the birds you see, you'll contribute valuable data that helps scientists better understand bird populations and aids in conservation efforts. Plus, it's a lot of fun and a great way to improve your birding skills! Join me for a morning walk, where we'll enjoy birdwatching and discover how to make your birding count.

If you are completely new to Bird Watching, I recommend attending one of my other bird walks first: see all bird walks here.

WHATS INCLUDED:

• Guidance on how to identify local bird species by sight and sound
• Guidance on how to use eBird app to record bird sightings and Merlin app to help identify birds
• Practice spotting birds, using binoculars and recording sightings
• Binoculars will be provided for the walk
• You will get a local bird list to take home
• Optional, stick around for a coffee at the end

Places are limited so booking is essential.

WHAT TO BRING

• Ideally set up an eBird account before the walk: here are some guidelines. We will be using two apps eBird and Merlin, both are free and you may want to download them onto your mobile device before the walk. If you don't have the apps or an account set up, no worries, I will demo on my phone.
• Water bottle
• Weather sensible clothing and sun protection
• Backpack or bag - you will want your hands free to use the binoculars
• Sturdy, comfortable footwear

WALK DETAILS

• Start: 7:30am Meet at Calga Reserve, on the coastal walk between Bronte Beach and Cemetery. 
• Walk: ~2.5 km walk around Bronte. We will walk slowly and stop often to admire our feathered friends and learn how to record them. Depending what we see, the exact timing and route may vary. 
• Finish: 9 am we will finish where we stated at Calga Reserve
• Coffee: Please stay for a coffee and more bird chat if you have the time. At the cafes on Bronte Rd (a few minutes walk from where we start). 
• Note: there are stairs and uneven sections involved in this walk.

ADDITIONAL INFO

We will walk slowly and stop often to admire our feathered friends. Please be mindful there are sections with stairs and uneven ground and there may not be somewhere to sit when we stop, so come prepared to be on you feet for the duration. 

This guided walk is suitable for people aged 12 and over. All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. An adult accompanying children only needs to book a place if they want their own binoculars. Please leave your four legged friends at home. 

If you would like to join a walk, but the cost of tickets is a barrier. No worries, send an email to jade@comebirdwithme.com and I’ll sort you out. 

A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR GUIDE

My name is Jade and I have been birdwatching around the Easter Suburbs and beyond for over 6 years. For me bird watching is a great way for to connect with nature everyday. I feel grounded and more connected to my home when I can put names to the birds and other wildlife around me. And when you see a new bird, it's a lot of fun! Bird watching also opened me to all these opportunities to care for them; bush care, native gardening, and supporting wildlife corridors. This gave me purpose and fulfilment. I want to share this sense of wonder, connection and care, with my fellow nature lovers out there.  Please reach out to me if you have any questions - jade@comebirdwithme.com

GETTING THERE

• Public Transport: 379 Bus Macpherson St and Bronte Road near Calga Reserve. 379 bus also stops at Bronte Beach Terminus, Bronte Road near the cafés where we will go for coffee afterwards. 
• Walking: Coming from North or South, the coastal walk is a beautiful way to get there. From West, walking down thought the gully or Cemetery is another lovely option
• Cycling: Another great option. There are bike racks near the Bronte Beach Bus Terminus.
• Parking: there is street parking all along Calga Place nearby.

FACILITIES

• Toilets: the closest toilets are at the south end of the beach near the ocean pool. 
• Water: there is a bubbler at the meeting point to have a drink or fill your water bottle. 

THIS EVENT WAS MADE POSSIBLE WITH SUPPORT FROM WAVERLEY COUNCIL.