The Casual Birder Bird Club FAQs
Please read on for answers to some questions you might have.
What is the purpose of the Club?
I started the Casual Birder Bird Club earlier this year as a way for listeners of The Casual Birder Podcast to come together to share our birding experiences and tips, and to provide a supportive and respectful place to meet other birders.
Who is the Club for?
The Club is for everyone who listens to the podcast or who supports the work I do in creating our birding community.
No matter who you are, your level of birding experience or where you are in the world, you are welcome.
Why do I have to be a listener of the Podcast?
I prefer that members are listeners of the Podcast because we often talk about things that have come up on the show. Sometimes I will share comments or stories from Club members in the show (with the contributor’s consent). It helps if members understand my style and ethos.
When are the Club sessions?
The Club sessions are usually on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7pm London time.
Every few months I am also able to offer a morning session at 8am London time. This is to help people attend who are in different time zones or who cannot make the evening sessions. The additional Club sessions may only comprise a few people so tend to be more conversational.
How do I get the link and join a virtual Club session?
About a week before the session I will send an email containing the Zoom link.
On the Club night you just click the link and you will be admitted into a virtual waiting room. I will let you in once the Club starts.
How long is a session?
Sessions typically run for an hour and a half.
If there is a need or desire by the group, they can be extended by half an hour.
What happens in Club sessions?
There are two types of Club session:
- general group session
- guest presentation
In a general group session, I lead the discussion.
If there are suggested or themed topics I will have described these in the invitation email. We all have an opportunity to speak, share our bird sightings or recent experiences, and ask questions of others. The meeting chat is also available for asking questions or making comments while someone is speaking.
For sessions with special guest speakers, this will have been described in the invitation email. Generally, there will be a presentation of around 30-45 minutes, followed by a Q&A.
If there is time, attendees will be invited to share their recent birding experiences.
Do I have to stay until the end?
It is understood that sometimes people have to leave early. Just type a quick message in the chat to say goodbye.
Do I have to speak or turn my video on?
While I hope everyone feels comfortable enough to participate fully, I understand that for various reasons people may not feel comfortable with the video on. That is ok.
And you don't have to speak if you don't want to. But I hope you will ask questions or make comments in the meeting chat to show you are still engaged with us.
Is the meeting recorded?
Generally, I do record the meeting. This is so that I have a transcript to help me remember what was covered and to help me write the monthly Bird Club News emails.
On occasion, a birding story or experience that's told will be ideal for sharing on the Podcast. I always ask the member if they consent to me using the story, whether I can use the audio, or whether they would prefer me to read out their story. If the story needs to be anonymised, I will do that too.
Does it cost anything to attend?
Attending the Bird Club is currently free of charge.
I do intend to eventually make this a paid membership. However, current members will be given highly reduced rates if they choose to remain. Plenty of notice will be given about any changes.
If you would like to support the current production costs of the Podcast or the Bird Club, contributions to the tip jar are always welcome.
Do you have any other questions?
If you have made it this far, congratulations!
I am more than happy to answer further questions - just reply to this email!
I look forward to meeting you in a Club session.
Suzy