AUSTRALIA'S FINAL BIRDING FRONTIER - ARNHEM LAND BIRD SURVEY - September 2005.

Due to popular demand, bird watchers can now visit the Maningrida region as guest of the Arnhem Land Barramundi Nature Lodge. This is the first time this area is been opened to birders and there are surprises in store as few bird studies have been done in this part of Arnhem Land.

Respected outdoor writer and author, Dick Eussen, who is also a former nature-based and bird watching tour operator into the Daintree Rainforest, recently did a bird survey in the region. Dick, a keen birder and noted wildlife photographer, recorded 196 species over four days in September 2005. It included three vagrants - a truly remarkable number.

Below is are the categories of birds that occur in the Maningrida/Liverpool River region. The links below take you to the list of birds in each category. You can also view Dick Eussen's field notes and total bird sightings and recommendations on when to visit.

WATER BIRDS.

HERONS, JABIRU, BITTERNS, IBIS & EGRETS.

DUCKS AND GEESE

BIRDS OF PREY.

FOREST AND PLAINS.

BEACH & FORESHORES.

PIGEONS, DOVES & PARROTS.

CUCKOOS, OWLS & NIGHTJARS.

KINGFISHERS.

FLY CATCHERS.

HONEYEATERS.

FINCHES.

FRUIT EATERS.

SWALLOWS, BUTCHER BIRDS, CROWS AND LARKS.

RARE VAGRANTS.

NOTE: Several migrating vagrants, mostly waders and seabirds, are sighted along the Arnhem Land coast, islands, and the estuaries, each season.

WHEN TO VISIT

The best period for optimum-time bird watching is during the dry season – June to September. This is based on access to the floodplains and billabongs (allowing for a drying out period after the wet season).

For migrating waders optimum times are during the March-April period and August to October. This of course means that birders must visit tidal seashores, Entrance and Haularound Islands, where the waders stop over. However, this is no problem as the lodge has comfortable sea-going boats for this purpose.

Nesting birds can be avoided on Haularound Island by not intruding into the grassy nesting sites and making observations strictly from afar, or from the boat. This is in line with similar viewing practices done in the Great Barrier Reef National Park. Generally, the birds have finished nesting and feeding by September.