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.

Due to COVID-19, BOOKINGS ARE NOW REQUIRED FOR OUTINGS FROM JULY ONWARDS. DO NOT JUST TURN UP AT AN OUTING. OUTINGS MAY BE CANCELLED AT SHORT NOTICE. SEE DETAILS OF EACH OUTING BELOW.

Things to bring: All you need to bring are binoculars, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, food, drink, a chair and comfortable shoes. Take the leader's phone number with you in case you need to contact them. 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.

Outings are on Saturdays, Sundays and mid-week. Details of outings are published in the bi-monthly CBOC Newsletter and on this website.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

When attending field outings ensure that you are wearing appropriate clothing, including wet weather gear in inclement weather and suitable footwear. It is advisable to bring a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and to carry water.

Please sign the attendance register at field outings and also at the meetings.

If you leave the outings early please let the leader know before you go.

Participants attend at their own risk and should refrain from any behaviour that might put themselves or others at risk. That includes assessing whether they have a level of fitness required for the advertised outings. If in doubt contact the outing leader beforehand.

Click here to read the club’s Ethical Birding Guidelines which apply to all members and visitors on all outings.

If you have any questions about any outing email outings@cboc.org.au