Birdwatching in Derby

Both keen and casual birdwatchers will rejoice at the many spotting opportunities in and around Derby. 

At Derby Jetty the outlying mangroves attract over 210 bird species including migratory waders, and you can explore the surrounding natural bushland. Over fifty species of birds have been spotted at the Joon Joo Botanical Trail, just outside of town. 

The Derby Wetland and Bird Observatory can be accessed via an unsealed road at the end of Conway Street. The observation hut near the wastewater ponds is a great vantage point to view a variety of ducks, migratory waders and other waterbirds attracted by the shallow water and reed beds. Species recently spotted there include the Pacific Black Duck, Grey Crowned Babbler, the Radjah Shelduck and the Sacred Kingfisher. 

At Munkyarra Wetland, off the Derby Highway near the Boab Prison Tree, sightings have included Brolgas, the White-throated Gerygone and the Red-backed Fairywren. 

There are also opportunities along the Broome-Derby Highway at places like Cockatoo Creek and Ski Lake and other locations such as the May River.