Birdwatching in Sydney
with the Cumberland Bird Observers' Club

Birdwatching outings are heaps of fun. The Cumberland Bird Observers' Club holds at least 40 outings every year all over the greater Sydney area. Outings usually start at about 8.30am and go into the afternoon (if the birding is good and participants willing, sometimes very late). There is no compulsion to stay until the very end and some people choose to leave at lunch time. Transport to most outings is by car although occasionally there are bus trips. Field outings are informal, catering for birdwatchers of all capabilities, and helpful, friendly advice on all aspects of birding is always available. Typically, stops for birdwatching are made at a number of locations during the day, with breaks for morning tea and lunch. Things to bring: All you need to bring are binoculars, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, food, drink and comfortable shoes. Some outings are on rough dirt tracks so you may need walking boots. A small backpack can be handy, especially if lunch is to be eaten some distance from the cars. A field guide for identifying birds is also handy but not essential. Outings will proceed irrespective of the weather (leaders always turn up, even if no-one else does!), except for venues at risk during high fire danger warnings. If in doubt, phone the leader. It's not uncommon to see about 50 species of birds on an outing, even in winter when most of the migratory birds are still in the northern hemisphere. On very good days, 75 species can be seen or heard, and on really bonza birding days, over 100 species can be located. There are no guarantees. Anything could turn up! That's part of the fun of birdwatching. No bookings are required (except for bus trips and the special Cumberland State Forest outings where breakfast is supplied) - so just turn up. Outings are on Saturdays, Sundays and mid-week. Details of outings are published in the bi-monthly CBOC Newsletter and on this website. If you have any questions about any outing, contact Keith Brandwood email outings@cboc.org.au or the leader of the outing you are interested in.

White-breasted Woodswallow Photo:N Lazarus Rainbow Lorikeet Photo:T Quested Fairy Martin

Outings for 2010

August 21, 2010 Saturday 9.30am

Cape Solander, Botany Bay National Park Meet in the car park at the end of Prince Charles Parade, Kurnell. Leader John Reidy - 9871 4836 or 0418 282 338

August 29, 2010 Sunday 8.00am

Windsor Downs Nature Reserve Meet at the end of Sanctuary Drive off Richmond Rd, Windsor Downs. Leader Andrew Patrick - 9639 8549 or 0413 805 709

September 5, 2010 Sunday 8.30am

Early bird brekky at Cumberland State Forest An experienced birdwatcher from the Cumberland Bird Observers Club will show you the fantastic diversity of bird life in the forest - a great activity for bird lovers. Finish off with a BBQ breakfast of bacon and eggs. Cost: $11 per person (10 years and over only) $35 family (2A+2C) – Payment on booking required. Duration: 2 hours. Meet at Cumberland State Forest Information Centre, next to the plant nursery, 95 Castle Hill Road,West Pennant Hills. For bookings phone Cumberland State Forest on 1300 655 687 or (02) 9871 3377

September 9, 2010 Thursday 8.30am

Palmdale Gosford Meet in the large Crematorium car park on right hand side of Palmdale Rd, Ourimbah. Leader Tony Dymond – 9639 7346 or 0401 235 446

September 19, 2010 Sunday 9.00am

Capertee Valley Meet in the car park opposite the turn off to Glen Davis on the Mudgee Rd, at Capertee township. Leader John Duranti – 9873 1363 or 0404 071 363

September 26, 2010 Sunday 9.00am to noon

Nestlings (for the 5 to 12 age group) - St Ives Wildflower Garden Meet in the car park near the Visitors Centre. Enter via Richmond Ave off Mona Vale Rd, St Ives. Bring morning snack and lunch. Please phone Janet Love on 9484 7419 or email nestlings@cboc.org.au with your intention to come by Thursday 23rd September.

October 3, 2010 Sunday 5.00am & 8.00am

Dawn Chorus Meet in the car park in Memorial Reserve, Coromandel Rd, Ebenezer for both starting times. Bacon rolls supplied, so please advise if you are attending. Bring a torch and warm clothing. Leader Keith Brandwood – 4575 1514 or 0447 457 554

October 13, 2010 Wednesday 8.00am

Marramarra National Park and Laughtondale Gully Rd Meet at the junction of Old Northern Rd and Laughtondale Gully Rd at Maroota. Leader Keith Brandwood – 4575 1514 or 0447 457 554

October 23, 2010 Saturday 7.00am & 9.00am

Western Sydney Parklands For the 7.00am start, meet at the Plumpton Hotel, Glendenning. For the 9.00am start, meet at the Cockatoo picnic area in Nurragingy Reserve, Doonside. Leader Mark Fuller – 9832 2183 or 0424 440 140

October 31, 2010 Sunday

Beginners Outing Centennial Park, Randwick

November 7, 2010 Sunday 8.30am

Early bird brekky at Cumberland State Forest An experienced birdwatcher from the Cumberland Bird Observers Club will show you the fantastic diversity of bird life in the forest - a great activity for bird lovers. Finish off with a BBQ breakfast of bacon and eggs. Cost: $11 per person (10 years and over only) $35 family (2A+2C) – Payment on booking required. Duration: 2 hours. Meet at Cumberland State Forest Information Centre, next to the plant nursery, 95 Castle Hill Road,West Pennant Hills. For bookings phone Cumberland State Forest on 1300 655 687 or (02) 9871 3377

November 10, 2010 Wednesday

Mason and Bicentennial Parks

November 14, 2010 Sunday

Nestlings (for the 5 to 12 age group) - Cumberland State Forest

November 20, 2010 Saturday

Bus Trip Barren Grounds

November 28, 2010 Sunday

Botany / Kurnell / Boat Harbour

December 2, 2010 Thursday

Nepean River Walk and Penrith Lakes

December 5, 2010 Sunday 8.30am

Early bird brekky at Cumberland State Forest An experienced birdwatcher from the Cumberland Bird Observers Club will show you the fantastic diversity of bird life in the forest - a great activity for bird lovers. Finish off with a BBQ breakfast of bacon and eggs. Cost: $11 per person (10 years and over only) $35 family (2A+2C) – Payment on booking required. Duration: 2 hours. Meet at Cumberland State Forest Information Centre, next to the plant nursery, 95 Castle Hill Road,West Pennant Hills. For bookings phone Cumberland State Forest on 1300 655 687 or (02) 9871 3377

December 18, 2010 Saturday

Mitchell Park

More information: Outings co-ordinator Keith Brandwood outings@cboc.org.au

Wandering Albatross Pelagic Outings Fancy seeing some seabirds? Regular outings depart from Wollongong conducted by the Southern Ocean Seabird Study Association. Costs vary but are about $90.00. Contact SOSSA for details 4271 6004 or sossa@tpg.com.au

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