‘The Bird Herd’
Join Ornithologist and Nature Educator Ricki Coughlan on a magical morning of discovery, fascination, learning and play.
The Gift of Wonder
The Bird Herd is all about offering children an opportunity to engage with the natural world as they learn and connect in the context of play. This introduces children to a whole realm of curiosity, fascination, personal growth and enjoyment of life: vital dimensions of their development as they grow. Importantly, connection with nature helps children to value nature, developing empathy, care and compassion; things which are vital in a world where nature is in rapid retreat. Play in nature also helps children’s imaginations to grow whilst they explore and, pressing on their boundaries, develop courage and resilience. They also learn that they are part of something much greater, a majestic earth full of wonder to be explored and cherished.
About The Bird Herd
The Bird Herd is open to children between the ages of 8 and 12 of most abilities, but keep in mind that we use a trail which will require a carer for children with mobility challenges. For safety and maximum team building, enjoyment and discovery impact, our adventure group is limited to 10 children.
We use a ‘Treasure Hunt’ to facilitate observation, exploration and discovery, though we will of course also hear the names and fascinating stories of many of the plants and animals which we meet on our walk. We use binoculars and magnifying glasses to examine nature up close. Of course your guide holds an NPWS Ecopass, is a registered First Aider and holds a current Working With Children Check.
Exploration and Discovery
We engage all our senses whilst exploring flowers, seeds, fruits, ferns and trees as well as the stories and relationships of the insects, birds, frogs, reptiles and any mammals which we might encounter or find signs of their passing. We learn the calls of the birds and frogs and take in the scents of the earth, the flowers and oils of plants. We will meet the local birds and also migratory birds. We stop to draw anything of interest.
Parents are welcome to join us. Parents may otherwise wish to visit the nearby Audley Dance Hall Café which offers excellent meals, snacks and drinks or relax in the picnic grounds. I suggest a picnic lunch in the park following our outing as an excellent bookend to the event.
About the day
The Bird Herd adventures take place on Lady Carrington Drive in Royal National Park and last for 2.5 hours. We meet at 8:45am for a 9:00am start in Fig Tree Flat at Audley. We begin with a welcome and introductions where children receive binoculars, clipboards, pencils and worksheets, including our ‘Treasure Hunt’ page. This is followed by an acknowledgement of country and description of the season as known by the Dharawal people, the traditional custodians of this part of Australia.
We cover around 4 or 5 kilometres on a beautiful forest paths, experiencing amazing encounters at every step. These adventures are screen free events, though phones or tablets may be used to capture images or record sounds of nature. We stop for a snack at around 10:30am and return to our meeting place by around 11:30am, when parents should be available to meet their children.
About Ricki
Over more than 20 years of leading tours around Sydney, north Western Australia and Central Australia Ricki Coughlan has built a reputation as a nature guide and educator with a wealth of knowledge and stories. She shares each encounter in nature in a way which ignites passion, excitement and a greater understanding of the natural environment.
Ricki is a trained First Aider and has a Working With Children check. She holds a Grad Cert in Ornithology, is a past Warden of Broome Bird Observatory and has worked as a guide and keeper for Earth Sanctuaries. She has been an occasional presenter on the popular TV program “Totally Wild”. In addition to running bird watching tours and courses around Sydney and beyond, Ricki works an Educator at Sydney Zoo, teaching children from pre-school to secondary level.
Parents who wish to attend but have younger ones are welcome to bring them along, though the focus will be on the core group of kids. In truth, everyone should go bush walking with a toddler and share their fascination for what is truly fascinating . . . every single leaf, flower, ant and beetle which they encounter! The entire walk is at a very slow and manageable pace.
Fees
$30 per child.
Fees do not cover park entry, which is $12 per car.
Payment is required at the time of booking. Please read our Terms and Conditions..
What to bring
• Dress for the weather. Layers on cooler days are suggested.
• Daypack.
• Snack for the trail.
• Around 600ml water is essential.
• Maybe a juice?
• A hat or cap is essential.
• Fully closed shoes are essential.
• Any medications, including an Epipen if required. If your child requires any medications please note this on the application form.
I carry a 100% organic three ingredient insect repellant based on melaleuca and citronella. I also carry Banana Boat sunblock which is free of nano particles. If your child is allergic to these products please be sure that you provide these things.
July School Holiday Dates
July 9, 2024: Fig Tree Flat, Royal National Park
July 11, 2024: Fig Tree Flat, Royal National Park
July 15, 2024: Fig Tree Flat, Royal National Park
July 17, 2024: Fig Tree Flat, Royal National Park
July 19, 2024: Fig Tree Flat, Royal National Park
The The Bird Herd adventures meeting point is the Picnic Shed at Fig Tree Flat, Audley. Press the button below to download a meeting place map.
Booking, Terms and Conditions
All participants must complete the booking form and read and tick off on the Terms and Conditions. Terms and Conditions are very boring until something goes awry, so I suggest that you give them a moment, just so that we’re on the same page and you’re aware of how to deal with any contingencies or opportunities which might arise in terms of booking or attending these adventures.
Were you beaten to a booking? Why not reach out to me and join a wait list . . .
A few things to note
• If it rains heavily we will postpone or cancel but if there are only spots of drizzle we will proceed or perhaps modify the program as necessary.
• Phone access is very patchy or non-existent on the trail so this cannot be relied upon.
• Snakes are shy and gentle creatures but just like your pet dog or cat, may try to protect themselves if they feel threatened. If we encounter a snake, please follow your adventure leader’s instructions. They’re also worth 15 points on our summer holiday ‘Treasure Hunt’ so, here’s hoping!
• Poaching is not permitted: Nobody may collect feathers, flowers, or other items to remove from the park.
• If we encounter a bird’s nest we will have a very brief look in passing and move on quickly. We should all remain quiet and respectful of the bird’s needs. Please read our Terms and Conditions in regard to these things and more.
Parents attending these adventures:
• Please be advised that Royal National Park is a no smoking area. Fines apply.
• Please refrain from taking pictures of the other children unless all parents agree that this is okay prior to the event.
Aussie Wild acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land which we visit, the Dharawal and Darug people. We pay our respect to their elders past, present and emerging.