The Shorebird Centre runs a number of bird and nature-focused courses each year. Taught by experts in their fields, these hands-on courses provide a unique opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills while spending time in the peaceful, natural environment of the Pūkorokoro area.
Field Course
The Field Course is perfect for any naturalist. Topics covered in past courses have included geology, botany, and entomology, but with a focus on birds, identification, catching, and details on ecology of some of our shorebirds.
Frequency: Every January
Duration: 7 days
Information: To register your interest and find out about availability for the next course email admin@shorebirds.org.nz.
NEXT COURSE 31st Jan – 6th Feb 2026
Wader ID Course
The Wader ID Course is a great introduction to the wonderful world of shorebirds. Time is split between sessions in the classroom, covering topics such as bird identification, bird taxonomy, counting birds and shorebird ecology, and time spent in the field, putting this knowledge into practice.
Frequency: Once a year – October or November
Duration: 2.5 days
Information: To register your interest and find out about availability for the next course email admin@shorebirds.org.nz.
Next Course: 15th – 17th November 2024
Introduction to Astronomy
The Introduction to Astronomy is a great way to learn about the wonders of the Southern Night Sky. On our course we will discuss what we can find in our sky; star patterns/constellations and the clusters, galaxies and nebulae, before a more practical session on how to see these celestial treasures with binoculars and small telescopes. The perfect course to lead us into Matariki!
Frequency: Once a year
Next Course: 28th June 2025
Duration: 1 day/night
Information: To register your interest and find out about availability for the next course email admin@shorebirds.org.nz.
Nature Journaling
The Nature Journaling Course is a weekend with accomplished Whanganui artist and illustrator Sandra Morris here at the Pūkorokoro Shorebird Centre. Be inspired by the birds and natural history and practise your skills with other enthusiastic participants and guidance from Sandra.
Frequency: This is a 2-day weekend held once a year.
Information: For more information or to register please email admin@shorebirds.org.nz.
Printmaking
The Printmaking Course is weekend with accomplished Whanganui artist and illustrator Sandra Morris here at the Pūkorokoro Shorebird Centre. Be inspired by the birds and natural history and learn the basics of intaglio (dry point) and relief printmaking (linocuts).
Frequency: This is a 2-day weekend held once a year.
Information: For more information or to register please email admin@shorebirds.org.nz.