I was on the recent pelagic trip to Ashmore Reef. Seven of us stayed on in
Broome for a few days, and we visited Derby for the day.
The highlight was the marsh overflow area for the Derby sewage ponds. A
sensational area with the highlights being ~5,000 Little Curlew, 4 Yellow
Wagtail, 50+ Barn Swallow, a Ruff, Long-toed Stint, 200 Brolga, Black
Falcon, Black-breasted Buzzard, etc, etc, etc. In the past I have seen
Little Ringed Plover, Garganey, Oriental Plover, Australian Spotted Crake
and I have heard of reports of Little Bittern, etc. It is a magic birding site.
The marsh has recently been upgraded for birdwatching (possibly not
deliberately for this purpose?) with an earth embankment around three sides.
This makes it a brilliant way to observe the birds from within the car so
that you can get closer. This is now a must site to visit for any visiting
birders to Derby, and it is well worth the visit for the day from Broome.
Afterwards, we called into the Derby Tourist Bureau to say hello to Pam
Masters. Pam told us about suggestions that the water be used to water the
local golf course, or for other purposes that would mean that this essential
birding site would be no more. She has asked that anyone who has visited
this site to please send a message of support.
You can send messages to Pam Masters, Manager, Derby Tourist Bureau via
email on or addressed to :
Pam Masters
Manager
Derby Tourist Bureau
PO Box 48
Derby WA 6728
This is the best birding site in Derby, so please give it your support.
____________________________________________________________
Frank O'Connor
8C Hardy Road
Nedlands WA 6009
Phone : +61 8 9386 5694
ICQ : 14655047
Email :
Birding WA http://www.iinet.net.au/~foconnor
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