Rachael Ashdown Conservation Tutor

The 5MBC is a monitoring method used to measure the relative abundance of birds in the forest environment. It is often used alongside animal pest control to measure how bird populations are responding to predator control. The method requires observers to identify birds by sight and by recognising their calls, a skill that takes practice!

Rachael honed her expertise in 5MBC through ecological fieldwork across both the public and private sectors, in a range of conservation roles.

Prior to working in conservation, Rachael spent 20 years in outdoor education, a career that has given her teaching skills invaluable to her current role at NMIT.

“I love working with people in the outdoors, empowering them in their mahi,” Rachael says. “My goal is for students to leave the courses with strong 5MBC monitoring skills and enthusiasm to continue learning.”

In addition to her work as a Conservation Tutor, Rachael is a member of the ornithological society Birds New Zealand, whose mission is to foster the study, knowledge, and enjoyment of birds. She regularly participates in bird surveys across the country.

“From listening for calls of forest birds to observing shorebirds in their thousands, counting birds requires a diverse range of skills and is one of my favorite things to do,” Rachael says. 

Rachael is eager to share this passion with learners and help them develop observation and identification skills.

“Learning about the birds we encounter every day deepens our connection to the natural environment. Being able to identify them is an awesome skill to have!”