Bird is the word during the month of October, as Campbelltown City Council promotes a number of bird conservation events to celebrate National Bird Week.
National Bird Week, October 19 to 25, aims to inspire Australians to get involved in bird conservation.
A big part of this year’s campaign will be the Aussie Backyard Bird Count, which may be the biggest citizen science project ever attempted in Australia, collecting data on the number of birds and types of species in neighbourhoods across the nation.
It’s anticipated that thousands of people around the country will venture into their backyards, local parks and favourite open spaces from tomorrow, Monday, October 19 and next Sunday to record the birds they see on the Aussie Bird Count app, website or by completing hardcopy version.
Campbelltown and Camden Councils, in conjunction with Birdlife Australia and the Aussie Backyard Bird Count, will host Bird is the Word, a free information session and bushland tour, to help local nature lovers participate in the bird count.
The 90 minute information session on Wednesday, October 21, will assist participants in identifying bird species in the Macarthur region, using the Aussie Backyard Bird Count field guide, and provide information on how to go about the bird count, including use of the app or web page, and accessing live statistics.
It will also discuss tips and techniques for photographing birdlife.
The bushland tour, to be held 8am- 12 noon next Sunday, October 25, will give participants the opportunity to identify and record bird species throughout Noorumba Reserve, Rosemeadow, using the Aussie Bird Count app and its field guide.
Tour guide and nature photographer Mark Fuller will share some hints and tricks on photographing birds in the wild and the kind of equipment needed to get great outdoor images.
Noorumba Reserve contains one of the largest stands of Cumberland Plain Woodland remaining in public ownership and is considered a critically endangered ecological community.
The area is home to several species of honeyeaters, cockatoos and owls.
The Bird is the Word community presentation will be held on Wednesday, October 21, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm in The Community Room, Camden Civic Centre, Oxley Street, Camden.
Participants in the bushland tour are asked to meet at Gabun Gujaaja Reserve (entrance to Noorumba Reserve), corner Lysander Avenue and Archibald Crescent, Rosemeadow at 8am. Please wear a hat and protective clothing and bring sunscreen, water and snacks.
Bookings are essential for both events.
To register, visit the bird week website or or call 4645 4601.
