The Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory (PWCNT) and local birdwatching experts from the Birdlife Central Australia group will run a birdwatching tag along tour at Owen Springs Reserve as part of the Red Centre Bird Festival.
PWCNT Senior Ranger Sheridan Martin said the tour provides an opportunity to learn more about Central Australia’s amazing birdlife and to bird watch in the field with local experts.
“Participants will travel into exclusive locations of Owen Springs Reserve, enjoy a great display of birdlife, and pick up tips and tricks on birdwatching in the Centre,” Ms Martin said.
Local bird expert and Birdlife Central Australia member Pamela Keil said “People can expect to see a variety of bird species as we travel through varying habitats on Owen Springs Reserve.
“Species we may see include Crimson Chat, Budgies, Inland or Yellow Rumped Thornbills, Grey Fantails, Splendid Fairy-wrens, and several Raptor species.
“Every tour is different and that is what makes it so special,” Ms Keil said.
The tour will be held on Sunday, August 21, from 7am until 12 noon and participants are to meet at the Alice Springs Desert Park car park. A full packing list will be given on booking.
The cost is $50 per vehicle (collected on behalf of Bird Life Central Australia to help cover tour operating costs). A high clearance 4WD will be required.
Bookings are essential as numbers are strictly limited to five vehicles. Please call the Alice Springs Parks and Wildlife office on 8951 8250 to make a booking.
Owen Springs Reserve is a 40 minute drive, 60km south west of Alice Springs and provides an outback four wheel drive experience, a quiet bush setting for camping without facilities and ideal picnicking and birdwatching opportunities.
More information about Owen Springs Reserve or guided walks and talks is available at:
www.parksandwildlife.nt.gov.au
For more information on other special activities being held as part of Red Centre Bird Festival, see the program of events at:
www.alicespringsdesertpark.com.au/plan/events.shtml
Media Contact - Sheena Dunne on 8999 4726