CFS426 Five Minute Bird Count

NMIT is part of Te Pūkenga

This means that you will now graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification. Read more
Course code

CFS426T
Locations and dates

Off Campus:

1 September 2023

WORKSHOP 6-7 September - NMIT, Richmond Campus

6 September 2023

WORKSHOP 11-12 September- Kaikoura

24 September 2023

WORKSHOP 28-29 September - Taupō
Fees

Tuition: 10.00

Student levy: 10.00
Credits

5

Identify a range of common forest birds using the Department of Conservation 5-minute bird count protocol.

In this course, you will learn how to identify a range of common forest birds using the five-minute bird count (5MBC) protocol, commonly used by the Department of Conservation and many community groups.

You will learn how to establish a consistency of data collection, recording, and storage, and to make the data available for analysis, reporting, and subsequent business planning within the required timeframe.

The 5MBC course is based on the Dawson and Bull field method. This course uses modern techniques, such as an online programme and pre-recorded bird calls, to help you identify common forest bird species.

Please take note of the workshop dates as they differ from the course start date.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

If you under 20 years old: Achieved NCEA Level 2 – (credits in Numeracy, Science or English desirable).
If you are 20 years or over: No minimum academic requirements.

English language requirements

All applicants must have a level of English sufficient to be able to study at this level.
If English is not your first language you should have an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) overall Academic score of at least 5.5 issued within the last two years (or equivalent).

Other requirements

You will be required to notify facilitation staff of any medical issues that NMIT and DOC need to be aware of. This should be done upon enrolment if the medical issue may impact upon your ability to meet the demands of the training. Other medical issues of lesser impact should be brought to NMIT staff attention at the start of the course. Each course will include a documented group job safety analysis to keep everyone safe. This adheres to the “Health and Safety in at Work Act 2015”.

Special Entry

In exceptional circumstances, an applicant under the age of 20 years who does not meet the academic entry requirements may be granted entry to the programme where they supply evidence of their ability to succeed on the programme.

Conservation Training Scheme

Our conservation short courses are part of the Conservation Field Skills Training Scheme

This Training Scheme is 20 credits. If you complete all the credits you will receive a Training Scheme award.

The Conservation Field Skills Training Scheme includes the compulsory course Risk Assessment worth 5 credits.

The remaining 15 credits can be made up of the short courses that best fit with your work.

Only one can be at level 3.

Course	Level	Credits
Conservation First Aid	3	5
Predator Trapping Methods	3	8
Introduction to NZ Conservation	4	5
Plant Identification	4	5
20x20 Plots and Reconnaissance	4	10
Foliar Browse Index	4	5
Five Minute Bird Count	4	5
Weed Management (Principles and Best Practice)	4	5
Advanced Animal Pest Control Methods	4	10

You will need to complete all the courses within three years to complete the training scheme and receive the award.

Workshop delivery

The Study dates reflect the preparation time that you may need prior to the actual face-to-face workshop.

Workshop times	Day 1	9.30am	5.00pm
	Day 2	8.30am	2.00pm

Accommodation

Travel and accommodation arrangements are your own responsibility.

Catering

You will need to bring a packed lunch with you for both course days. Tea and coffee will be provided.

Contact us

Should you need to make contact before, during or after the workshop, please contact our friendly team via information and enrolments or contact the facilitator for the course.

Pre-workshop study

There is a great deal of information to get through during the week.

Please take the time to complete these online courses so you are prepared, you will need to allow up to 8 hours.

Bird Identification(external link)
Birds: incomplete counts(external link), pages 2-4, 7-8, 17-20
Field Skills(external link)
Introduction to Natural Heritage, modules 1-3(external link)

Expand your knowledge with DOC online courses(external link).

DOC staff can find these courses via DOCLearn.

Hearing test

Collecting accurate data for Five Minute Bird Counts relies on the practitioner to be aware of their hearing limitations prior to recording bird calls. Hearing loss will affect the quality of data collected and you need to be aware of any limitations.

Information on a hearing test will be sent to participants by email.

A hearing test is recommended but not required, however, for all DOC staff it is a required prerequisite.

What to bring

You must bring the following to the course:

Pen and pencil
Headphones/earbuds (to study bird calls in class)
A laptop or tablet – if you have one available, please bring this along (we do have some tablets in the classroom to use if you do not bring your own)
First Aid kit
Footwear suitable for walking off and on tracks, you may get your feet wet
Warm outdoor clothing and a raincoat
Drink bottle and small daypack
Optional - A pair of binoculars, if you use these