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. 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. CBOC has introduced the following policies, which will apply to all outings, in respect to bushfires and days of extreme heat.

BUSHFIRE POLICY

The Club will not endanger the lives of our members by allowing outings to go ahead if the fire risk is too high. If the Rural Fire Service deem the area in which the outing will be conducted has a Fire Risk Rating of Severe, Extreme or Catastrophic, then the outing will be cancelled. If there is sufficient warning, a new location may be selected by the Leader if appropriate. If bookings are required for an outing, then the Activities Officer will advise those that have booked on the outing, otherwise an eMail will be sent to all members. The fire rating for an area is determined by referring to the RFS website as per: http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fdr-and-tobans.

HEAT POLICY

The Club seeks to ensure that outings are conducted in such a matter that hot weather does not pose a serious health risk to its members. If the forecast temperature for the day is set to exceed 35 degrees, then the outing will be cancelled. If the forecast temperature for the day is set to exceed 30 degrees, the Leader may, at their discretion, choose an earlier start time for the outing or conclude the outing at an earlier time. The forecast will be determined based on the forecast available two days before the outing at 6pm. If bookings are required for the outing, then the Activities Officer will advise those that have booked on the outing of the change in plan, otherwise an eMail will be sent to all members. Attendees should also ensure that they have adequate water for the duration of the outing and apply common sense with regards to wearing a hat, using sunscreen and keeping out of the sun as much as possible.

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