The annual event, organised by Birds New Zealand and now in its 86th year, will feature 40 speakers sharing their knowledge about bird life in New Zealand.
This is the first time the conference has been held in Wānaka and guests will have the opportunity to take field trips around nearby wetlands, Mou Waho Island, Blue Pools forest and the Rob Roy Glacier Track.
An event spokesman said the occasion provided an opportunity for members to gather and share knowledge and innovations about their feathered friends.
‘‘They provide a forum for students, early and late career ornithologists, researchers, amateur enthusiasts and community groups involved in supporting bird research and conservation to establish and strengthen networks.’’
Birds New Zealand Otago representative Dawn Palmer said she was looking forward to the balance between speakers with expertise in sea and coastal birds through to avians from forested and inland areas.
‘‘I’m really looking forward to just hearing from the speakers to see what everyone’s been doing and the sharing of all the knowledge.
‘‘Birds New Zealand is all about supporting the learning and gathering of knowledge and innovations and sharing innovations and including our young researchers as well as our career experienced researchers, amateur enthusiasts and community groups.
‘‘People can then go on enthused and inspired to keep birding and keep researching and ... expand their knowledge and understanding of birds in New Zealand.’’
Speakers at the event will cover topics such as bird behaviour, evolution, population trends, breeding success and the work of Birds New Zealand.
Each year, the conference moves to different locations to make it as accessible as possible.
The event will be held at the Lake Wānaka Centre from Saturday until Monday.
