The 7th annual Red Centre Bird Festival celebrates the diverse birdlife of Central Australia providing activities for experienced birdwatchers, nature lovers and those starting the journey of birdwatching.
Alice Springs Desert Park Product Development Coordinator Estelle Marshall said the Red Centre is a haven for birds, filled with diverse habitats.
“Central Australia has a diverse birdlife to explore. If you are lucky you may spot Bourke’s Parrot, Dusky Grasswren, Spinifex Pigeon, Mulga Parrot & Rufous-crowned Emu-wren,” Ms Marshall said.
A highlight of the 2016 Red Centre Bird Festival is the Bird of Australia dinner with Tim Dolby, well-known Australian birdwatcher with a life-long interest in natural history.
Tim is the author of the best-seller Findings Birds in Australia: a field guide (CSIRO, 2014).
“Tim Dolby will take you on a journey of his favourite birding stories, sharing amazing insight and photography of birds around the Australia.” Ms Marshall said.
The Red Centre Bird Festival runs over five days from the 17 to 21 August. It is shaping up to be full of activities for people of all ages.
The Desert Park is home to a magnificent range of birds including Splendid Fairy-wrens and Western Bowerbirds in aviaries, Tawny Frogmouths and Bush Stone Curlews in the Nocturnal House and Black Kites and Whistling Kites in the Nature Theatre.
A colourful collection of bird inspired artwork will be on display in the Desert Park Foyer to celebrate Bird Art in the Park. This free exhibition kicks off on Saturday 13 August and runs to Sunday 4 September, open 10am to 4pm daily.
Other festival highlights include the Big Bird Race Twitchathon, Birds Before Work, family fun activities and a 4x4 Bird Tag-along.
Red Centre Bird Festival is organised by Birdlife Central Australia, Friends of the Desert Park, Sandrifter Safaris, Alice Springs Desert Park and supported by Tourism NT.
A full program is available at www.alicespringsdesertpark.com.au/plan/events.shtml
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Media note – For further information/interviews please contact Estelle Marshall on 0401 116 209