“What bird is that?” at Coolart, Somers

BirdLife Mornington Peninsula is pleased to present its biannual event “What bird is that?”

Help fund next year’s Mornington Peninsula Bird Festival by staying to hear Sean Dooley, BirdLife Australia’s Birdman, talk about his life with birds
Big Bird Bake Off 2026 — Be creative in the kitchen and bring along your bird themed food items to be judged against your peers. Maybe Kookaburra cookies, or Parrot decorated pizza. Whatever you like!
The morning will commence with a presentation about what birds you are likely to see and hear on the Mornington Peninsula. This year we will also update you about H5 Bird flu. Our expert guides will then take you on a one hour walk helping you identify local birds in the Coolart woodlands.

8:30am: Arrive & register

9:00am: Learn about our local bird species

At the end of the presentation, there will be a short update about the current bird flu epidemic

Children’s Activities will be available after the presentation until midday

10:30am: Guided bird watching walks with our experts

Morning Tea provided during the morning by the Friends of Coolart for a small charge

11:30am — Big Bird Bake Off judging commences!

12:00pm — Sean Dooley My life with birds

Please note, this is a ticketed event — tickets available from HUMANITIX from September 1st

All proceeds go to funding the 2027 Mornington Peninsula Bird Festival

This event is suitable for all ages. BYO picnic lunch to enjoy in the beautiful Coolart gardens. BBQ’s are available for use in the picnic grounds.

Bring a hat and sunscreen, binoculars if you have them, and wear closed toe shoes.

Wheelchair Accessible: We will ensure that one walk is wheelchair accessible if required.

This outing will automatically be cancelled if the forecast, announced the evening before, is for a Total Fire Ban or Extreme Weather Day.

Arrive & register at 8:30am, for a 9:00am start. Park in the car park, 40 Lord Somers Road, Somers

Map 193 ref. H9