BIRD LANGUAGE RETREAT 2024 - Oct. 17th–20th

Four days of incredible learning, fun, new friends and good food!

Bird Language in a Nutshell:

“The hardest thing of all to see is what is really there” - JA Baker (The Peregrine)

What will this workshop do for me?  (Good question!)

Well, in a nutshell this workshop introduces you to a practical understanding and direct experience of bird language to develop and expand your personal nature-observation skills.  The experiences and teachings offered in the workshop will enable you to more fully appreciate what birds have to say and through listening to their many voices how we can deeply connect with the natural world around us.  This is a workshop about dramatically expanding the scope and detail of what you are capable of noticing, so we might truly see what is really there.

Presented by environmental educator and wildlife naturalist Andrew Turbill, this unique workshop is where the pedal hits the metal for those of us who love the outdoors and spending time in the bush, but who desire greater levels of personal meaning and genuine connection to the natural world. After decades of doing his “dirt time” of patient watching, listening and learning,  Andrew has developed a deep understanding of how birds offer us a special opportunity for really paying attention and developing a ‘curious mind’.  These are critical skills on the path to moving from “nature tourist” to “nature sentinel”.

By learning to pay attention and de-code bird language you will be drawn into the interconnectedness and wonder of nature. Gradually our sensory world opens up; birds aren’t just random background noise anymore but instead reveal the movement of predators in the landscape, the whereabouts of flowering and fruiting trees, approaching weather systems and delineation of seasonal changes.

Initially you will learn to identify surrounding birdlife by their calls, a rewarding skill in itself. More powerfully though, through deep listening and practicing enhanced field observation skills, you will learn to interpret their meaning providing a fascinating window into the life of birds and their greater environment. An urgent chirrup might lead your eye to a stalking python or (as Wangat’s very own Dan experienced just the other day) a sudden squawk and unwieldy cartwheeling from a tree give cause to look for danger and find a wedge-tailed eagle cruising overhead. 

Using bird language as a foundation and core, the workshop will include activities that will further expand your knowledge of the natural world. These include discovering and interpreting animal tracks and other signs, night-time observation, and the simple yet profound meditative practice of nature sit-spots.

The retreat has the potential to inspire not just a deeper understanding of the natural world but also a deeper connection and understanding of yourself. For hundreds of millennia before agriculture, humanity lived a truly wild existence; this deeply immersive experience of nature is what we were made for, it is literally hardwired into our brains. Abundant research in the fields of psychology, physiology and neuroscience confirms that we are at our best when we connect to the natural world. But many of us have forgotten how to connect, or yearn for deeper pathways of connection. This workshop will show you how. It will be a circuit breaker from our routine hustle and bustle and reaffirm what it is to be human.

Likewise, it is a wonderful way to connect and have fun with others who value this kind of activity and learning. We will spend the time together in a village atmosphere sharing adventures, meals, stories, and curiosity at the secluded Wangat Lodge surrounded by trees, river, campfire, starry skies and wildlife.

The skills and insights acquired in this workshop will fundamentally change the way you interact with birds and the natural world and can be readily applied in an urban-based natural setting as effectively as in wilderness. Every birdsong will become an invitation to listen, look around and learn. Every squawk will remind you we’re not alone in this world and of all the wonder to discover. Your friends will be amazed as you suddenly break off mid-sentence at work, dash outside and seemingly by magic “discover” a python resting in a nearby tree...the magic of bird language.

About Andrew Turbill
Andrew Turbill is a wildlife naturalist and professional environmental educator with more than two decades of practical experience developing innovative nature connection programs for youth, businesses and community along the East Coast of Australia. Plus he’s an all-round fascinating guy! It’s safe to say we’re very excited here at Wangat HQ to be welcoming Andrew for this workshop and to be able to offer this unique experience. In the time we’ve known him he’s shared so much incredible knowledge with us in a truly engaging and memorable way. We’re looking forward to learning more!

For more info about Andrew’s extensive experience please visit www.andrewthebirdguy.com / www.cel.org.au/andrew-turbill/

Last year’s event was a sellout success so we advise booking early to secure a spot.

Retreat Info:

Cost
- $740 – Includes facilitation, teaching and mentorship by Andrew Turbill, 3 nights accommodation at Wangat Lodge, and all meals.
- Limited to 40 participants to create a more intimate course and learning environment.

REFUND POLICY:

Payments are transferable ONCE to a future Bird Language Retreat at Wangat when over 30 days notice is given. Refunds are given in full for cancellations more than 30 days before camp (less $150 admin fee). When less than 30 days notice is given, your fee is non-refundable.

Accommodation
- Wangat Lodge has 9 bunk rooms with 4 or 6 beds. Participants will have the option for a female only, male only, or mixed-gender shared rooms. Friends / families will be placed together, availability allowing.
- We can accommodate a very limited number of personal tent / car camping spots if this is your preference. Please note the workshop cost is the same for camping options.
- Our 2 self-contained cottages, Melia and Clancy can be booked for an additional charge (subject to availability).

Requirements
- No previous birding experience required but a curious mind is essential!
- There is no minimum age however all attendees must be willing to participate fully in the workshop. The retreat is therefore not suitable for young children.