What is the New Zealand Bird Watching Society?

The New Zealand Bird Watching Society (NZ BWS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the study and conservation of New Zealand’s native birdlife. Founded in 1967, the society currently has over 3000 members spread across 20 branches nationwide.

History

The roots of the NZ BWS can be traced back to the late 1950s when a group of Wellington-based ornithologists began informally surveying local bird populations. In 1967, this group officially formed the society, elected a committee, and began publishing a quarterly journal titled ‘Birds New Zealand’. The society’s inaugural meeting on July 7, 1967 was attended by 248 people, demonstrating a strong early interest in the organization.

In the first few years, the society focused on consolidating membership, establishing regional branches, and conducting bird surveys. By 1970, just three years after its founding, the NZ BWS had over 1000 members and had established itself as the leading body for bird watching enthusiasts in the country.

Some key milestones in the NZ BWS’s history include:

• 1972 – The first national bird atlas project is launched to map bird distributions.
• 1979 – The society begins publishing its own research in the scientific journal ‘Notornis’.
• 1994 – The society plays a key role in establishing a successful kiwi breeding program.
• 2005 – The NZ BWS reaches 2000 members nationwide.
• 2015 – The society celebrates its 50th jubilee.

Today, with over 50 years of history behind it, the NZ BWS continues its twin missions of studying and protecting native birds through field research, conservation initiatives, publications, conferences, and advocacy campaigns.

Membership

The New Zealand Bird Watching Society is open to anyone with an interest in the native birds of New Zealand. As of 2022, the society has approximately 3200 members spread across 20 local branches spanning the length of the country.

There are four main membership categories:

• Individual Membership – For people joining in their own personal capacity. This includes full membership rights including the ability to vote at AGMs.
• Family Membership – Covers two adults and any children under 18 living at the same address. Both adults get full membership rights.
• Student Membership – Heavily discounted rate for full-time students under 25 years old. Proof of enrollment is required.
• Life Membership – A special membership conferred by the National Executive in recognition of exceptional service to the society. Life members have full membership rights.

Members receive a regular newsletter, have the ability to participate in branch activities, and can access member-only resources on the NZ BWS website. A major membership benefit is the quarterly full-color journal ‘Birds New Zealand’ featuring research articles, reviews, and birding news.

Organizational Structure

The NZ BWS has a well-defined organizational structure to manage its operations at national, regional, and local levels. Key elements include:

• National Executive – Elected governing body consisting of president, secretary, treasurer and 6 committee members. Sets overall direction and policy for the society.
• Regional Representatives – Two reps elected from each region (North Island, South Island) to liaise with local branches.
• Local Branches – Semi-autonomous branches located in cities/towns across NZ. Organize regular meetings and field trips.
• Conservation Advisory Committee – Provides expert advice on conservation initiatives and advocacy.
• Publications Committee – Oversees the society’s journals and publishing program.

This multi-tier structure allows the society to coordinate national-level initiatives while also enabling branches to cater to local interests and needs.

Activities

The NZ Bird Watching Society provides a diverse array of activities catering to bird watchers of all levels. Some of the main activities include:

• Monthly Meetings – Local branches organize public meetings featuring guest speakers, films, quizzes, and discussions.
• Field Trips – Regular guided trips to top birding locations are open to members and the public.
• Annual Conference – A long weekend of talks, workshops, and field trips held in a different branch location each year.
• Bird Surveys – Contributing to population monitoring surveys for native species.
• Citizen Science – Opportunities to participate in research projects as volunteer data collectors.
• Publications – Members are encouraged to contribute articles, photos, reviews, and letters to the society’s journals.

By participating in these varied activities at both local and national levels, members can increase their birding skills, contribute to scientific studies, and connect with a community of shared interest.

Conservation Efforts

As a society dedicated to native birds, a core focus of the NZ BWS is conservation advocacy and action. Some major initiatives include:

• Submissions on Policy – Providing expertise and evidence to support bird-friendly practices and legislation.
• Habitat Protection – Campaigning for the preservation of important bird habitats under threat.
• Predator Control – Advocating and assisting with trapping programs targeting introduced predators.
• Captive Breeding – Supporting threatened species recovery programs for kiwi, kakapo, and others.
• Reintroductions – Helping reestablish native bird populations in areas they have been lost.

The NZ BWS also funds small grants each year to support critical bird conservation research and initiatives around the country.

Publications

As New Zealand’s leading birding organization, the NZ BWS produces several acclaimed publications on ornithology:

• Birds New Zealand – The flagship publication started in 1952. Quarterly journal with research papers, articles, news, and reviews.
• Notornis – Scientific journal published twice annually containing peer-reviewed research findings.
• Field Guide – The society’s authoritative photographic guide to NZ’s bird species featuring detailed descriptions.
• Checklist – Updated checklist documenting all recognized species and subspecies found in the New Zealand region.

These publications represent an invaluable archive of knowledge on avian biodiversity in New Zealand accumulated over decades by the society’s members and experts.

Notable Members

Over its 50+ year history, many distinguished ornithologists and conservationists have been active members of the NZ Bird Watching Society. Some notable members include:

• Don Merton – Led the recovery programs that saved the black robin and Chatham Island snipe from extinction.
• Ron Moorhouse – Conducted the first comprehensive survey of kakapo, culminating in key conservation efforts.
• Dick Veitch – Instrumental in establishing North Island kokako populations on offshore islands.
• Alan Tennyson – Prolific researcher of fossil birds and author of many reference books on ornithology.
• Rod Hay – Long-serving editor of the journal Notornis from 1976 to 2001.
• Brian Bell – Often called “the father of birdwatching in New Zealand” for popular writings.

The expertise and dedication of these members has been crucial for advancing bird study, documenting avian diversity, and championing conservation in New Zealand over the past half century.

Birdwatching Sites

With a wide range of habitats from alpine meadows to dense rainforest, New Zealand has countless excellent birdwatching sites spread across its islands. Here are some top sites recommended by NZ Bird Watching Society members:

Branch organizers can recommend top local birding spots. Some specialized trips may require advanced planning and permissions.

Beginner Resources

For those new to birdwatching, the NZ Bird Watching Society provides many resources to help you get started:

• Field trips – Join beginner-friendly outings to learn techniques from experienced birders.
• Presentations – Introductory talks at local branch meetings cover basics.
• Library – Borrow reference books, ID guides, and recordings of bird calls.
• Mentors – Get matched with a veteran member who can advise and teach you.
• Magazine – Dip into ‘Birds New Zealand’ for inspirational stories and practical tips.

Developing your bird ID skills takes time and practice. Be patient, get outdoors regularly, and tap into the collective wisdom of longtime members.

Top tips for beginners

• Start by learning the most common backyard birds.
• Invest in a good pair of lightweight binoculars.
• Use both visual ID and bird calls to detect species.
• Keep written notes or illustrations in a field notebook.
• Give attention to habitat – wetland birds differ from forest birds.
• Notice key characteristics like size, shape, distinctive markings.
• Practice identifications and don’t get discouraged by mistakes.
• Read up on species before going out in the field.

Conclusion

For over 50 years, the New Zealand Bird Watching Society has fostered a spirit of community, inquiry, conservation, and passion for native birds. With an expanding membership, robust organizational structure, and diverse activities nationwide, the society continues to make ornithology accessible to bird enthusiasts while advocating for threatened species and habitats. Anyone can tap into a wealth of resources – field trips, publications, meetings, mentors – to develop rewarding birdwatching skills and contribute to the ongoing study and protection of Aotearoa’s unique avifauna.