Help

The page is about the ‘new’ COG website that went online in February 2014. If you have any questions that are not covered here, please email webmaster.

About the website
What’s new?
What’s not new?

Logging in
Do I have to log in?
How do I log in?
Can I change my Username?
Can I change my Password?

How to…
Where do I find maps / trip archives / Speckled Warblers / anything else?

Faults and feedback
Should I report broken links or other problems?
Known problems
Suggestions or comments

About the website

What’s new?

As well as a new layout, new features include…

An all-new Bird Finder, a one-stop page from which you can access all our information on all our birds — photos, Garden Bird Survey stats and descriptions from the BOCG book, bird calls, local status and a fantastic page of ‘stats and maps’ for each species (stats and maps coming soon) .
Details of the next meeting, the next two trips, and the next ‘other event’ are displayed on the home page, and complete lists of all upcoming trips, meetings and other events are also provided so you can plan ahead. Limited past events are listed (and complete archives of all past events details will be coming soon).
A constantly updated feed of the latest chatline (email discussion list) posts. This is really an advertisement for the Chatline but can be used as a quick means of accessing the chatline archives or reading individual messages by clicking on a message link. The last five posts are displayed in an endless loop scrolling near the bottom of the screen.
We now have the ability to keep some pages and info out of public view – these areas can only be seen and accessed by COG members.
The three buttons at the top right of the home page are quick links to selected pages.
Sliding images on the front page are mainly for beauty and general interest, but can also be used to publicise issues, answer currently topical questions or (possibly) stir spirited controversy. These images can be be regularly changed so if you have a good idea feel free to send suggestions or contributions to the webmaster.

What’s not new?

Everything from the old site should be here, though some areas have been extensively reworked. If you notice anything missing please email webmaster.

Highlights from the old site include:

the complete archive of Canberra Bird Notes – every issue since No. 1
complete archives of Gang-gang
bird-related info from the Birds of Canberra Garden book, including the graphs and descriptions.
maps and guides to birding locations, and much other useful info

Logging in

Do I have to log in?

No, you can see most of the site without logging in. At the moment the only items that can’t be seen by the general public (or by you, if you are not logged in) are Committee names and details, and some ‘contact us’ phone and email addresses on the “Contact Us” page.

How do I log in?

Click on the ‘login’ button at top right of any page and fill in your credentials. If you don’t have a username or password click on “Lost your password?” link and fill in the email address that you provided to COG when you joined. A self-explanatory email will be sent to you with your username that also enables you to set up or reset your password.

Note that browsers can be set to remember your login details so that you don’t have to enter them each time – highly recommended to make life easier.

Can I change my Username?

Not easily, but if you really need to change your Username please email Membership.

Can I change my Password?

Yes, by clicking on the “Lost your password?” link as described above under How do I log in?

How to. . .

Where do I find maps / trip archives / Speckled Warblers / anything else?

Navigation using the top menu should be fairly straightforward, but if you can’t find something easily:

try the search box at the top of every page, or
browse through the site map (link at bottom of every page). Browsing the site map is a good way to quickly appreciate what is available on the site.

Faults and feedback

Should I report broken links or other problems?

Yes please – write to webmaster with details of anything that doesn’t seem to be working as well as it should. We will be correcting and improving the site gradually over the coming months.