Birding in Broome, Western Australia
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Birding in , Western
The of , in the remote north of Western , is a birdwatcher’s paradise.
Over 330 bird species have been recorded in and around – more than one third of ‘s total bird species, and over 55 species of waders or shorebirds, almost 1/4 of the world’s total. Thanks to six diverse habitats, the region plays host to a wide variety of bird species. The region is also particularly known for the array of migratory birds from the northern hemisphere, with over 800, 000 migratory birds arriving from September to March each year.
One of the best places to see birds is the Bird Observatory on , a RAMSAR-Listed Wetland of International Importance. The site comprises 34, 119 hectares of intertidal mudflats. The soft-bottomed intertidal mudflats of northern and eastern are one of less than twenty such mudflats worldwide that support large numbers of shorebirds on their annual migration south. The site is used by up to 300, 000 migratory birds each year, coming from over 20 species. The RAMSAR site also includes three other marine habitats, sea-grass beds, mangrove swamps, and samphire and saline grasslands.
Highlights among the migratory birds seen around and the Bird Observatory include the Eastern Curlew, the largest of the migratory shore birds, which makes an epic 17, 500 kilometre round journey from Vladivostok, Russia each year. The tiny, crimson-coloured Red Knot makes an even longer journey, from the New Siberian Islands off the north coast of Russia, deep in the Arctic Circle. The Common Redshank is commonly seen in Europe and Asia, but is a rarity in , with the Bird Observatory the only known site where they can be seen reliably. Similarly, the Observatory is one of the few reliable sites at which the Asian Dowitcher and the Broad-billed Sandpiper can be seen.
In addition to the migratory bird population, is also home to a number of native and endemic bird species. The bird that excites twitchers the most is the Yellow Chat, a tiny, canary-yellow bird. Not a true chat, it was named by British settlers due to its resemblance to the chats of the United Kingdom. Usually only found in the remotest parts of the outback, the yellow chat can survive in thanks to its proximity to the Great Sandy Desert. Yellow chats are best found in salt bush on the Roebuck Plains.
‘s mangrove environments are home to a number of birds, including the White-breasted Whistler, which forages for crabs among mangrove roots, the endemic Dusky gerygone, and the tiny Broad-billed flycatcher, which (as its name might suggest) uses its broad bill to catch flies in the mangroves.
The of itself, particularly its , golf courses and mangroves, also attracts a number of distinct bird species. The Eastern Yellow Wagtail, a rare migrant to northern , hangs out on sports fields and among sewage ponds. In mangroves look for Red-headed honeyeasters, Dusky gerygones, Golden and White-breasted whistlers, and the Mangrove grey fantail.
To the north of , Barred and Willie Creeks are mangrove-lined saltwater environments, home to several species of waders, raptors, and mangrove dwellers. Look for red-headed honeyeaters and the elusive Kimberley Lemonbellied Flycatcher.
To the south of , the 220 kilometre long Eighty Mile , between and Port Hedland in the , is another RAMSAR-listed Wetland, which attracts vast numbers of migratory birds each summer. Birds found here include eastern curlews, red knots, great knots, Terek sandpipers, pied oystercatchers, greater sand plovers, Oriental plovers and red-capped plovers. The Eighty Mile Marine Park is also home to dugongs, dolphins, and is an important nesting ground for flatback turtles, only found in northern . At the end of the nesting season (between October and February each year) thousands of baby turtles hatch from their eggs and scramble to the sea.
Eighty Mile is particularly ecologically important for its population of three species of sawfishes – dwarf sawfishes, large-tooth sawfishes, and green sawfishes – each in serious danger of extinction. Closely related to sharks and rays, sawfishes give birth to live young. Generally shy, they remain close to the muddy sea-floor, either resting or searching for food.
Thanks to the diversity of ‘s bird life, there is no bad time to go birding in . For many, seeing the birds suddenly take-off on their journey back to Asia is a highlight, as groups of between 5 and 500 birds suddenly take the air. The take-off generally occurs at the end of the each year, with different species taking off at different times: Eastern curlews often leave in the first week of March, while Red Knots – knowing that their Arctic home will remain under ice much longer – can wait until late May. The arrival of birds from September is less spectacular, as birds tend to trickle in dribs and drabs. Others prefer visiting from December through to February, which offers the greatest variety of migratory birds to see.
However, birds can be seen year-round. Some migratory birds, such as the Asian Dowitcher and the Broad-billed sandpiper, choose to overwinter in the area. The Dry is also a good time to see native birds, especially the elusive yellow chat, which nests in salt bush that can be hard to access during the Wet.
Odyssey Traveller is pleased to announce that we are now running a birding of . Staying for eight nights at the Bird Observatory, our takes the time to explore the diverse range of habitats in which migratory and local birds are found. Each day of the is accompanied by evening talks given by our knowledgeable guide.
Our also gives you plenty of time to explore for yourself, whether that’s visiting the pristine and of Cable for a , learning about the historic on a of Cygnet Bay , or experiencing multi-cultural at the and .
While our ends after five days, we encourage you to remain in the region, exploring the stunning coastline of ‘s : Coral Bay, Shark Bay, Kalbarri and Exmouth.
Travellers with an interest in visiting and may also be interested in our Kimberley . Beginning in , we begin by heading along the Kimberley coast to the home to the stunning and Beagle Bay – before heading north to Talbot Bay on the . The then moves inland along the Gibb River Road, stopping in at Wandjina Gorge National Park and El Questro National Park, on our way to Kununurra and Lake Argyle, the Ord River dam. From the Gibb River Road, our then heads to Purnululu National Park, where we make a over the distinct Bungle Bungle formations. We then head back to the , stopping off at the historic towns of Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing (by the Fitzroy River), and National Park. You’re able to go swimming at many of the gorges in the – just make sure to watch for the freshwater crocodiles!
You may also be interested in our Western Australian wildflowers , which visits and the Margaret River; or our Kakadu, Arnhem Land, and Darwin .
Articles about published by Odyssey Traveller:
- The Kimberley: A Definitive Guide
- Uncovering the Ancient History of Aboriginal
- Aboriginal Land Use in the Mallee
- Understanding Aboriginal Aquaculture
- Mallee and Mulga: Two Iconic and Typically Inland Australian Plant Communities (By Dr. Sandy Scott).
- The Australian Outback: A Definitive Guide
- The Eyre Peninsula: ‘s Ocean Frontier
- Archaeological mysteries of : How did a 12th century African coin reach Arnhem Land?
- Ancient Aboriginal trade routes of
For all the articles Odyssey Traveller has published for mature aged and senior travellers, click through on this link.