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 Wednesdays. 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 2008
June 1, 2008 Sunday 8.30am	Beginners and New Members - Lane Cove National Park Meet at the end of Vimiera Rd, Marsfield where the tunnel runs under the M2 motorway. This outing is specially scheduled for those who want to learn how to identify birds in the field, the use and suitability of equipment and field guides and protocols for outings. All members and visitors are also welcome but the emphasis will be on the newcomers and beginners. Target Species: Everything. Habitat: Woodland and Parkland. Walking Gradient: Some inclines but nothing too strenuous. Leaders: Brian and Renee Doyle 9876 1404
June 4, 2008 Wednesday 8.00am	Windsor Downs Nature Reserve At Windsor Downs turn off Richmond Rd into Sanctuary Drive and proceed slowly along this narrow roadway through the roundabout to the far end of the Drive. Target Species: Scarlet Robin, Speckled Warbler, Painted Button-quail. Habitat: Ironbark Woodland. Walking Gradient: Mostly flat, dirt tracks. Leader: Keith Brandwood 4575 1514 mob. 0447 457 554
June 21, 2008 Saturday 9.00am	Magic Point Maroubra Meet in the car park next to South Maroubra Surf Life Savers Club in Arthur Byrne Reserve, Maroubra. This is our annual seabird outing when we expect to see lots of albatross. It consists of a 45 minute walk to the lookout where we will spend the remainder of the day looking for birds from the cliff top. Bring warm waterproof and windproof clothing, a comfortable chair and food. Target Species: Black-browed, Yellow-nosed, Shy and Wandering Albatross. Habitat: Heathland and ocean. Walking Gradient: Gentle incline. Leader: Trevor Waller 9890 1210
June 29, 2008 Sunday 8.30am	Atlas outing - Castlereagh Nature Reserve Meet opposite the car wreckers which is on the west side of Northern Rd, Berkshire Park. Target Species: Speckled Warbler, Scarlet Robin, Buff-rumped Thornbill, Painted Button-quail. Habitat: Ironbark woodland. Walking Gradient: Flat easy walking. Leader: John Reidy 9871 4836 mob. 0418 282 338
July 2, 2008 Wednesday 9.00am	Private Property Gosford Meet in Palmdale Rd, Ourimbah just past the Palmdale Crematorium. For car pooling meet in Dawson Ave, Thornleigh at 8.00am. Target Species: Regent Bowerbird, Bassian Thrush, White-headed Pigeon. Habitat: Remnant rainforest. Walking Gradient: Various but none difficult. Leader: Tony Dymond 9639 7346 mob. 0401 235 446
July 19, 2008 Saturday 9.00am	Kentlyn/Mount Annan Meet in the car park of McDonalds 100 metres past the junction of Campbelltown Rd and Rose Payten Dr, Leumeah. Small entry fee to Mount Annan Bontanic Gardens Adult: $4.40 Child: $2.20 Seniors cardholders: $3.30 Concession: $2.20. For car pooling meet near the Museum in Congresional Drive, Liverpool at 8.00am. Target Species: White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike, Black-chinned Honeyeater, Hardhead. Habitat: Eucalypt woodland, parkland and ponds. Walking Gradient: Gentle inclines. Leader: Jim Dixon 9602 9031 mob. 0415 169 186
July 27, 2008 Sunday 7.30am	Annual Raptor Count Meet in the car park of Scheyville National Park Headquarters, off Scheyville Rd, Scheyville. Late starters meet at Pitt Town Lagoon at 10.00am. This outing is suitable for those with walking disabilities. Last year we recorded ten species of raptor, a record count for the club outing. Let's try and break the record this year. We should see 80 to 90 other species of bird too. Target Species: Hawks, eagles, falcons, harriers and kites. Habitat: Various Walking Gradient: No walking - just standing, sitting and observing. Leader: Keith Brandwood 4575 1514 mob. 0447 457 554
August 6, 2008 Wednesday 7.30am	Howes Valley - Bus trip Meet in the car park at the rear of the Hills Entertainment Centre, Carrington Rd, Castle Hill. Wilberforce pickup at the BP Service Station on Putty Rd, North Wilberforce at 8.15am. The bus will not wait for latecomers. Cost $25. Bookings essential phone Janine 9639 2702. Target Species: Grey-crowned Babbler, Brown Treecreeper, Scarlet Robin and Diamond Firetail. Habitat: Woodland and open pastures. Walking Gradient: Easy. Leader: Keith Brandwood 4575 1514 mob. 0447 457 554
August 17, 2008 Sunday 9.00am to 1.00pm	Nestlings (for the 5 to 12 age group) - Cumberland State Forest Meet in the car park near the infromation centre and shop of Cumberland State Forest, Castle Hill Road, West Pennant Hills. Please ring Janet on 9484 7418 before Thursday August 14 with your intention to come or emial nestling@cboc.org.au.
August 23, 2008 Saturday 8.30am	Dee Why Lagoon/Long Reef Meet in the upper car park (a parking fee applies via the vending machine, so you need coins) which is located past the Long Reef golf clubhouse and up the hill. Access if off Anzac Ave, Collaroy. Target Species: Albatross, shearwaters, terns and shorebirds, water birds. Habitat: Marine reef and lagoon. Walking Gradient: Good paths but rather steep incline with steps to get to the reef. Leader: Andrew Patrick 9639 8549 mob. 0413 805 709
August 31, 2008 Sunday 8.00am	Wheeny Creek Meet in Comleroy Rd, Kurrajong at Matheson Park on the left opposite the shop on the right just after entering Comleroy Rd from Bells Line of Road. Late starters can meet us in Wheeny Creek Reserve at the end of Comleroy Rd. Target Species: Chestnut-rumped Heathwren, Rockwarbler, Spotted Quail-thrush, Superb Lyrebird and Rose Robin. Habitat: Woodland, heathland and gully rainforest. Walking Gradient: Easy Leader: Trevor Waller 9890 1210
September 3, 2008 Wednesday	Bents and Norton Basins
September 20, 2008 Saturday	Royal National Park Curra Moors Bass Trail
September 28, 2008 Sunday	Blue Gum Reserve Winmalee
October 1, 2008 Wednesday	Dairy Swamp/Katandra Reserve
October 25, 2008 Saturday	Mt Keira/Lake Illawarra - Bus trip
November 2, 2008 Sunday	Greens Swamp Lower Portland (camp over-night)
November 5, 2008 Wednesday	Hawkesbury Hot Spots
November 16, 2008 Sunday 9.00am	Nestlings (for the 5 to 12 age group) - Homebush Bay
November 22, 2008 Saturday	Pughs Lagoon/Turf Farms Richmond
November 30, 2008 Sunday	Private Property Swallow Reach
December 3, 2008 Wednesday	Botany Bay/Kurnell
December 20, 2008 Saturday	Mount Wilson
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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