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Birding for Beginners Workshop brings new eyes to the skies

Ceri Pearce | Birds With Altitude Project Leader


On Saturday, 9 August 2025, the Community for Coastal and Cassowary Conservation (C4) Environment Centre in Mission Beach buzzed with anticipation as 33 curious participants gathered for Birding for Beginners – a free two-hour workshop hosted by BirdLife Northern Queensland (BLNQ) and designed to open the door to the fascinating world of birdwatching.

 

The afternoon began with a warm welcome from C4 Vice President Helen Larsen, who provided an Acknowledgement of Country, introduced the workshop, and shared her own birdwatching experiences in Mission Beach. Her passion for local wildlife set the tone for the afternoon, encouraging participants to look more closely at the nature surrounding them.


The Birding for Beginners Workshop commences. Photo by Jeff Larson.
The Birding for Beginners Workshop commences. Photo by Jeff Larson.

Leading the workshop was Ceri Pearce, BLNQ’s Cassowary Coast Area Coordinator, who delivered an engaging, interactive presentation covering the essentials for any budding birder. The indoor session explored:


  • what you need to start birdwatching;

  • how to use and care for binoculars;

  • identifying birds through size, shape, posture, calls, behaviour, habitat, and colour;

  • a pictorial guide to some of Mission Beach’s most recognisable birdlife;

  • books, apps, and websites to help with identification;

  • local birding hotspots;

  • how to connect with the broader birding community through local groups;

  • ways to get more involved – from Birds in Backyards and the National Aussie Bird Count, to the September Crane Count and the ongoing Birds with Altitude Project.

 


Learning to adjust the diopter and use the focus wheel on binoculars. Photos by Jeff Larson.
Learning to adjust the diopter and use the focus wheel on binoculars. Photos by Jeff Larson.
Learning to adjust the diopter and use the focus wheel on binoculars. Photos by Jeff Larson.

 

The C4 theatrette was filled to capacity with participants fully engaged in the presentation. Images Jeff Larson.
The C4 theatrette was filled to capacity with participants fully engaged in the presentation. Images Jeff Larson.

With new knowledge in hand, participants stepped outside into the fresh Mission Beach air for a relaxed, hands-on birding session. Binoculars were raised, field skills tested, and the thrill of potentially spotting and identifying local species quickly took hold.

 

“It’s about slowing down, noticing the small details, and connecting with the environment around you,” Ceri explained. “Birding can be as simple or as in-depth as you like, but it’s always rewarding.”

 

By the end of the afternoon, attendees left not only with practical skills, but also with a deeper appreciation for the diversity of Mission Beach’s birdlife – and the knowledge that they had taken their first steps into a welcoming and vibrant birding community.

 

Special thanks to Helen and Jeff Larson, Kate Blank, Geoff Stapley, Laurie and Peter Trott, Peter Rowles, and Sandra Christensen for their invaluable help in organising the workshop. We also extend our thanks to all participants, whose curiosity and engagement made the event a success.

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