Broome Bird Observatory

The Broome Bird Observatory is an educational, scientific and recreational facility located 24 km from Broome in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. It began operating in 1988 under the auspices of the non-profit organisation Birds Australia to provide a base for the study and enjoyment of the birds of Roebuck Bay and adjoining areas. The bay boasts the highest diversity of migratory waders in Australia. In March and April, immense flocks of waders can be watched as they depart to their breeding grounds in the northern hemisphere.[1]

Display boards at Broome Bird Observatory

Broome Bird Observatory is set in pindan woodland on the northern shore of Roebuck Bay. It was formally opened in 1990 and continues to provide accommodation and birdwatching opportunities for visitors, tours, courses, as well as research facilities for scientists and ornithological expeditions.

The Clive Minton Discovery Centre at the Observatory, named after Clive Minton who undertook significant wader research in the area, was opened on 20 August 2021.

Facilities

A number of facilities at the observatory are available for use, including a number of accommodation options. Many birdwatchers and researchers make use of these facilities when visiting the observatory.

Accommodation

There is one chalet and a number of rooms at the observatory. Those rooms include double/family rooms, bunk rooms, and single rooms. Camp sites are also available.[2]

Amenities

At the observatory are located toilets, showers, a barbeque, and a camp kitchen, dubbed the 'Shadehouse'.[3]

Activities

A large number of activities occur year-round at the Broome Bird Observatory, especially those concerning birdwatching.

Wave the Waders Goodbye

The Wave the Waders Goodbye 5 day course occurs over peak wader migration to the northern hemisphere, most often in March or April.[4]

Birds of the Broome Region

The Birds of the Broome Region 5 day course occurs in September or October, when the most number of species are present in the region at any one time. This time of year is also when shorebirds return to the shores of Roebuck Bay, and are at their most numerous at the observatory.[4]

Tours

The Broome Bird Observatory offers a number of tours, primarily focused on birdwatching.

Shorebirds Tour

The Shorebirds Tour provides an introduction to shorebirds of the region, whereupon the tour takes participants to various areas of Roebuck Bay to observe shorebird species.[5]

Mangrove Tour

The Mangrove Tour takes participants to Crab Creek and other mangrove areas of Roebuck Bay. Common Redshank is often seen on this tour.[5]

Bush and Plains Tour

The Bush and Plains Tour takes participants to the Roebuck Plains Station, which lies to the north and east of the observatory. Yellow Chat is often seen on this tour.[5]

Lakes Tour

The Lakes Tour is a full day tour, visiting wetland locations around Roebuck Plains Station.[5]

Yellow Chat Twitch

This tour is focused on observing the Yellow Chat, a rare bird species most easily seen around the observatory.[5]

Australasian Wader Studies Group

The Broome Bird Observatory hosts members of the Australasian Wader Studies Group (AWSG) over summer, when bird banding and other research activities take place.

Access

The road to the Broome Bird Observatory is unsealed, and 4WD vehicles are recommended for accessing the observatory.[6] The Broome Bird Observatory website recommends that one not follow the directions of Google Maps, and instead, when travelling from Broome, turn right onto Crab Creek Road.[7]

References
  1. Henly, Susan Gough (1 March 2021). "A birder's calendar: where and when to watch Australia's breeding and migration seasons". the Guardian. Retrieved 23 March 2022.
  2. "Accommodation". Broome Bird Observatory. Retrieved 23 March 2022.
  3. "Accommodation". Broome Bird Observatory. Retrieved 23 March 2022.
  4. "Courses". Broome Bird Observatory. Retrieved 23 March 2022.
  5. "Tours". Broome Bird Observatory. Retrieved 23 March 2022.
  6. "How to get to us". Broome Bird Observatory. Retrieved 23 March 2022.
  7. "How to get to us". Broome Bird Observatory. Retrieved 23 March 2022.
  • Robin, Libby. (2001). The Flight of the Emu: a hundred years of Australian ornithology 1901-2001. Melbourne University Press: Carlton. ISBN 0-522-84987-3

17.9750°S 122.3444°E / -17.9750; 122.3444

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