Be Part the Bruny Island Bird Festival Speakers Series & Evening Events Fun
The Bruny Island Bird Festival is for all nature lovers, especially anyone with an extra interest in birds and returns again this year 15th to 17th March 2024 with the Speakers Services and Evening Events being in the Adventure Bay Hall!
Ornithology and Conservation
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of ornithology and environmental conservation at the Expert Speaker Series, a highlight of the Bruny Island Bird Festival.
Renowned Experts and Passionate Advocates at the Bruny Island Bird Festival
Renowned experts and passionate advocates will take centre stage to share their insights, knowledge, and stories about avian biodiversity, habitat conservation, and the importance of birdwatching in Tasmania and beyond.
Engage with like-minded individuals, gain valuable perspectives, and deepen your appreciation for the winged wonders that call Bruny Island home.
Don’t miss this enriching opportunity to learn from the best in the field and be inspired to protect our feathered friends and their habitats for generations to come.
Evening Events at the Bruny Island Bird Festival
Join us for unforgettable evenings filled with camaraderie, entertainment, and delicious food at the Bruny Island Bird Festival.
Our evening events promise a variety of experiences to delight and engage attendees of all ages and interests.
Be Part of the Welcome Dinner and Party
Kick off the festival with a lively welcome dinner and party!
Connect with fellow bird enthusiasts, enjoy delectable cuisine, and dance the night away to live music as we celebrate the start of an exciting weekend ahead.
Enjoy Yourself at the Trivia and Roast Dinner
Test your knowledge and enjoy a hearty meal at our trivia and roast dinner event.
Gather your friends and family for a fun-filled evening of friendly competition, delicious food, and laughter.
Alfresco Dining and Guest Speakers
Indulge in an alfresco dining experience, accompanied by captivating guest speakers.
Immerse yourself in insightful discussions on bird conservation and ecology, followed by a thought-provoking panel discussion.
Don’t miss out on these evening events, where you can unwind, socialise, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Bruny Island Bird Festival.
Free Information Series
Location: Adventure Bay Hall, Bruny Island
Date: Saturday, 16th and Sunday, 17th March
Time: 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Admission: Free entry; no booking required
Join us at the Adventure Bay Hall on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th of March, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, to delve into the captivating world of bird conservation and exploration.
Presentations range from 50 minutes to 90 minutes, offering a diverse array of topics to suit every interest.
With no admission fee and no need for bookings, this series offers accessible and engaging learning opportunities for all.
Mark your calendars and come discover the wonders of birdlife with us at the Bruny Island Bird Festival
Expert Speaker Series at the Bruny Island Bird Festival
Get along to the inspiring and informative expert speakers series of events.
Pelagic Bird Identification with Paul Brookes
Paul Brookes has been leading pelagic seabirding trips from Eaglehawk Neck, on the Tasman Peninsula, for over a decade.
He will bring you up to speed on the finer points of identifying the seabirds of Tasmania at sea, including descriptions of their appearance, behaviour, and abundance. 50 mins
Ramit Singal-Bringing Song Home
An Intro to Recording Bird Sounds Learn about the various sound recording techniques and gear used to capture birdsong.
Whether you are interested in creating binaural soundscapes using a mobile phone or recording a single bird’s musical notes using a parabolic microphone – join this discussion to learn a bit more about the hows and whys of recording birdsong. 50 mins
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Come discover the sparkling new Art Trails Tasmania treasure, “Crafting Your Own Creative Tasmanian Holiday Guide” that lets you find workshops, exhibitions & more
Threatened Woodland Birds of Bruny Island Project Run by the Bruny Island Environment Network
Dr. Andrew Hingston talks about how people can be involved in efforts on Bruny Island to save swift parrots and forty-spotted pardalotes from extinction. 50 mins
Bird Banding
Dr Geoff Shannon on Bird Banding (Ringing), what is it, how do we do it, and what do we learn from it. Geoff has been handling wild birds since before he was ten, trained under British scheme.
By age of 17 had a full banding permit for ringing in Britain and Turkey before left to come to Australia.
He obtained his Australian banding permit soon after arriving here in late 1970 and has banded initially in Western Australia, and on and off for nearly 30 years, here in Tasmania.
Georff’s interest is in passerines with a 10 year project on North West coast. 50 mins
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Eagle Dissection, Claws, Beaks, and Wings: the weaponry of birds
Judy Clarke, Andrew Nicholson and Nick Mooney on Claws, Beaks, and Wings: the weaponry of birds
Prepare for an extraordinary encounter with the unseen wonders of avian anatomy in “Claws, Beaks, and Wings: the weaponry of birds.”
Join us for a rare opportunity to marvel at the intricate details of feathers, the formidable size of talons, and the remarkable strength of beaks up close.
Led by Dr. Andrew Nicholson, Judy Clarke and Nick Mooney, this session promises an enlightening exploration into the anatomy and physiology of birds that transcends what meets the eye.
Witness the majesty of a Wedge-tailed Eagle through an examination and dissection, shedding light on the inner workings of these magnificent creatures.
This session will provide illuminating explanations on the movements of bones and muscles, unveiling the secrets behind avian adaptations and specialisations.
This unique experience offers a new perspective on the unseen aspects of bird biology, providing invaluable insights into the mechanisms that drive their behaviour and survival.
While this session is suitable for all ages, parents are advised that a bird dissection will be involved, and children under 10 should be accompanied.
Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to delve into the hidden world of avian anatomy and discover the marvels that lie beneath the surface.
Join us for “Claws, Beaks, and Wings” and embark on a journey of discovery that will deepen your appreciation for the wonders of the natural world. 90 mins
Additional Talks
Talks from seabird specialist Eric Woehler, Birdlife Australia Sean Dooley and NRM South are also on the program.
Evening Events at the Bruny Island Bird Festival
Explore the fascinating world of birds and conservation at the Expert Speaker Series during the Bruny Island Bird Festival.
With insightful presentations, hands-on experiences, and renowned experts, this series offers something for everyone.
Join us at Adventure Bay Hall on March 16th and 17th for an enriching experience celebrating the beauty of birds and the importance of their preservation.
Cat Davidson-Specialist Talk
Friday 15th March 4:00pm-5:00pm
Bird expert Cat Davidson will share her enthusiasm in an exclusive talk before the welcome dinner on Friday night.
The focus will be on Bird Anatomy, and all the interesting little parts that we’ve always questioned about flight, nests, eggs and more!
Tickets: $10
Location: Adventure Bay Church
Welcome Dinner and Party
Friday 15th March 5-9pm *Ticket required
Join the first evening festivities! Following guest speaker Cat Davidson (Held in the Church nearby), enjoy an informal shared meal catered by Noona Auderset, whilst feasting on the sweet sounds of local performers.
Sweet sounds for the evening will be provided by The Island Ensemble.
The Island Ensemble formed one year ago, it comprises skilled and passionate island musicians who initially met to share in the simple pleasure of playing music together.
They have been heartened by the growing number of invitations to perform at celebrations on the island, and have quickly become an integral part of Bruny’s cultural life.
This is a wonderful evening to meet and chat with other bird enthusiasts, and plan your weekend together!
*Dietaries can be catered for *A bar will be open throughout the evening Happy hour 5:00-6:00 pm
Welcome to Country/ Acknowledgement of Country 6:30pm
Dinner 6:00 pm Nightly
Bird Count 6:00pm Adult: $40, Child under 12: $20
Location: Adventure Bay Hall
Silent Auction
Whilst you’re there, peruse the silent auction, and place some bids to win some one of a kind items that have been generously donated from some incredible artists and local businesses.
The silent auction will be taking bids all weekend, and the winners will be announced on Sunday evening.
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TRIVIA NIGHT!
Hosted by Sean Dooley and Dinner from Bruny Dine
Saturday 16th March 6-9pm *Ticket Required*
An evening of quick wit and brilliant questions! Hosted at the Bruny Bowls Club and catered by Bruny Dine, dinner is included in the ticket (Classic Roast meal with dessert), and the bar will be open throughout the night.
Organise your own trivia team, or we can allocate you into a team on the night.
Dinner 6:00-7:00 pm
Trivia 6:30pm onwards
Adults $43, Child under 12 $20.
Location: Bruny Bowls Club, Adventure Bay
Alfresco Community Dinner
Sunday 17th March 5-6:30pm *Ticket Required
*Separate ticket required for the Louise Crossley Tribute Evening.
Celebrate the final night of the festival by coming together outside the Adventure Bay hall to share your experiences and excitedly plan the next bird watching trip!
Live music from Bruny Islanders vocalist Matilda Martin and guitarist Julius Schwing. They play a unique blend of jazz, soul and RnB, infused with their own stylings inspired by the natural world and its ever-evolving and steady pace. Individually both Matilda and Julius have played extensively around Australia as well as internationally in places such as Dubai, New York, Calcutta and Vienna.
Meal catered by Noona Auderset, all dietaries can be catered for.
Happy hour 5:00-6:00 pm
Dinner 5:00pm-6:30pm
Adult: $25, Child under 12: $15
Location: Adventure Bay Hall
Sunday Night – Dr Louise Crossley Tribute Evening With guest speakers: Dr. Bob Brown, Dr. Andrew Hingston & Dr. Sally Bryant.
Sean Dooley will join for the panel discussion.
Sunday 17th March 7-9pm *Ticket Required
*Separate ticket required for Alfresco Community Dinner.
After dinner move inside for an evening of performance, science and activism.
Music composer and synthesist Peter Rankine will begin the evening with a recital to fit the theme!
Peter has been inspired by birds and birdsong since childhood. This recital is a meditation on the voices of precious birds endemic to Bruny Island.
Hear about projects and actions focussing on the Forty-spotted pardalote and the Swift parrot from special guest speakers Bob Brown, Sally Bryant and Andrew Hingston, followed by a casual panel discussion. This is not one to miss!
Great information, entertainment and a fundraiser for our Threatened Woodland Birds of Bruny Island Project (TWBBI)
Happy hour 5:00-6:00 pm
Speakers 7:00-9:00pm
Adult: $30 and Child Under 12: $5
Location: Adventure Bay Hall
The Bird Beanie Competition Returns
Creative Workshops, Nature Market & Art Exhibition
The popular feather print making workshop is also returning to the Bruny Island Bird Festival this year.
Rhyll Plant runs entertaining workshops to share her ideas and all you need to bring is enthusiasm. What better souvenir from Bruny Island, than printing a bird’s nest, eggs and all!
Along side a new workshop, called the Council of Birds that is all about deepening your connection with birds.
Be sure to also get along to the Nature Market on Saturday 16th March at Lunawanna Hall and the Art Exhibition at the Lennon Memorial Hall, Dennes Point, 15th to 24th March.
About the Festival
The 7th Bruny Island Bird Festival
15th-17th March 2024
The Bruny Island Bird Festival: Bringing together Science, Conservation, Community and Creativity to create three days of enjoyment and education about the birdlife of this wonderful island.
Packed with new features as well as old favourites, there will be Expert Speakers, Birdwatching Tours & Walks, a Market Day, Art Exhibition and evening events to celebrate birds.
Everyone is most welcome, birders and non-birders alike.
Discover the full festival program, book your tickets, the Speakers Series, enter the Art Exhibition, be part of the Nature Market at the Lunawanna Hall, stay up to date with all the latest news with the newsletter, and enjoy volunteering at this heart warming festival.
Be sure to follow the Bruny Island Bird festival on Facebook and Instagram.
Haven’t been to Bruny Island before? Then you’re in for a wonderful new experience! Simply catch the vehicle ferry from Kettering, just south of Hobart.
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