Celebrate the Territory’s diverse birdlife and start ticking off your bird list at this year's Red Centre Bird Festival.
The annual festival runs from 19-23 September and the Alice Springs Desert Park is at the top of the pecking order.
Alice Springs Desert Park Director Paul Ah Chee ‘Ngala’ said Birding in the Northern Territory is just as much about the bird as it is about the location.
“The Red Centre has some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world and when combined with some of the most unique birdlife on the planet, we have something really special to offer,” Mr Ah Chee said.
“Our diverse habitats are home to thriving rare and endemic species.
“Alice Springs is Australia’s premier outback destination and has a suite of birdlife unlike anything else on offer around the country, amazing iconic species such as Budgies, Spinifex Pigeons and Crimson Chats which you’d struggle to see anywhere else are simply everyday here. We want to share them with the world!
“We encourage locals and visitors to get amongst the planned activities. There is something for everyone, from beginners to experienced birdwatchers, nature lovers and those starting the journey,” said Mr Ah Chee.
THIS YEARS HIGHLIGHTS
Festival includes early morning and evening bird watching field trips, tag-along tours, photography workshops, wildlife photo gallery and a special presentation showing the behind the scenes of the Eagle Cam viral videos.
Eagle Cam
Saturday 22 September, 5.00pm - 6.30pm
Adults: $25. Children (5-15yrs) $10
Alice Springs Desert Park
Bookings essential: 8951 8788 email asdp@nt.gov.au
Learn how our Nature Theatre team has trained one of our Wedge-tailed Eagles to capture ‘bird’s-eye-view” footage of the iconic West MacDonnell Ranges. Get up close to one of the stars of the show, view blooper reels and take part in a question and answer session. You are in for a treat! Minimum
The Red Centre Bird Festival is brought to you by Tourism NT, Alice Springs Desert Park, Parks and Wildlife Commission of NT, Birdlife Central Australia, Friends of the Desert Park, and Mark Carter Birding & Wildlife.
Bird Keeper for a Day
Daily Wednesday 19-23 September. 8am – 4pm
Adults: $149
Alice Springs Desert Park
Bookings essential: 8951 8788 email asdp@nt.gov.au
Ever wanted to work with birds? Here’s your chance! Go behind the scenes and take part in the daily husbandry and training of our birds.
Includes lunch and park entry. Limited to one person per day.
Raptor Experience
Wednesday 19 and Friday 21 September, 11.00am - 11.45am
Adults: $99 + entry
Alice Springs Desert Park
Bookings essential: 8951 8788 close 5pm day prior. Conditions apply.
Join an expert handler to learn some of the secrets of these amazing aerial predators with a free flight demonstration and the opportunity to hold a bird of prey. Bring your camera for photo opportunities.
Birds & Bats of Simpsons Gap
Thursday 20 September, 5.30pm - 8pm
Adults: $25. Children free.
Bookings essential: email mark@birdingandwildlife.com
Discover the special birds that call Simpsons Gap home by day, then after sunset meet some of the bats that live there using special bat detectors. Limited spaces.
Birds at Sunset
Sunday 23 September, 5.30pm – 6.30pm. Register at 5.15pm.
Adults: $5. Cash sales at gate.
Alice Springs Sewerage Ponds, off Commonage Rd
Spot waterbirds and migratory waders with local Birdlife Central Australia experts. Recommend BYO binoculars and high visibility vest. Minimum age of 16 years. Enclosed shoes required.
The Red Centre Bird Festival is brought to you by Tourism NT, Alice Springs Desert Park, Parks and Wildlife Commission of NT, Birdlife Central Australia, Friends of the Desert Park, Mark Carter Birding & Wildlife and Ooraminna Station.
Download the Red Centre Bird Festival program here https://alicespringsdesertpark.com.au/whats-on/red-centre-bird-festival follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/redcentrebirdfestival
Department of Tourism and Culture Media Manager: 0476844832
