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An immersive celebration of the birds and woodland ecosystems of central Victoria curated by Geoff Park.
Life with Birds brings together a distinguished range of collaborators – writers, artists, photographers, sound recordists, field naturalists, scientists. The various events enable participants to enjoy and learn whilst on the path to a deeper appreciation of the richness of our bird life – which is facing many challenges, especially that of global climate change.
The proceeds from this diverse and rich program of events will be dedicated to a community designed, citizen science woodland bird conservation project in central Victoria.
Workshop #1 Carrie Tiffany – Mateship with Birds – 15 years plus
Saturday 21st March $100 11am – 2pm
Carrie, a former park ranger, has twenty years’ experience as a researcher, writer, editor and teacher of creative writing. Her novel Mateship with Birds won the inaugural 2013 Stella Prize. Geoff will lead an in conversation with Carrie, before she leads a bird-themed creative writing workshop. No writing experience is needed.
Workshop #2 Richard Weatherly – A brush with woodland birds – 15 years plus
Sunday 22nd March $100 11am – 2pm
Richard is an iconic Australian artist, conservationist and innovative farmer. With over fifty-five years of professional experience, Richard will draw on his acclaimed illustrated works, such as The Fairy-Wrens and A Brush with Birds, as he leads this workshop. Materials provided, though participants are welcome to bring their own
Workshop #3 Patrick Kavanagh – The Art and craft of bird photography – 15 years plus
Thursday 26th March $100 8am–12pm
In this workshop Patrick, an accomplished nature photographer with a special ‘focus’ on woodland birds of the Newstead district and their habitats, will offer personal tuition on photographic techniques and field craft. NB Starts and ends at Newstead Art Hub. Involves gentle walking in an outdoor environment. BYO Camera.
Walk: Lawrie Conole – The ‘Difficult Bird Search’ – 15 years plus
Monday 23rd March $20 7.30am–12.30pm
The Newstead district, an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA), is home to a suite of ‘difficult’ birds – cryptic, declining and just plain hard to find. Lawrie will introduce you to these characters and share search techniques before you venture out to a selection of local sites. Will you encounter some of these characters?
