Birdwatching in Paroo Shire

Cunnamulla, Eulo, Yowah and Wyandra are home to more than 245 species of Australian native inland and water birds, including the endangered Pink Cockatoo and Australian Painted Snipe. There are also a number species listed as vulnerable including the Painted Honeyeater, Southern Whiteface, and the elusive Grey Falcon.

The Cunnamulla Visitor Information Centre sells several different bird books to help identify some of the many species found in the region.

There are many locations to birdwatch within the Paroo Shire, but some of the top birdwatching areas include;

Prepare to be awestruck by the lakes, rivers and wetlands of this stunning national park. Lakes Wyara and Numalla are major waterbird habitats and important refuges for all birds and other animals during drought. About 180 species of birds have been observed at Currawinya and at certain times of year is home to over 100,000 water birds

Five kilometres south of town, the weir is the perfect place to sit by the water to watch the birds come and go with more than 100 species recorded here. It was completed in 1991, supplying Cunnamulla with its water for irrigation and urban purposes. When full, it holds a volume of 4,772ML.

Arrange to visit around sunset for the best chance of viewing local bird and other wildlife. Bring some drinks and nibbles to enjoy as you watch Kangaroos coming to the waterhole to drink and perhaps see an Emu or two strolling by. These Bushlands offer you an ideal opportunity to experience multiple ecosystems in one location.

Bowra Wildlife Sanctuary is internationally renowned as one of Australia’s most rewarding bird watching destinations. Purchased by the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC), the area is now protected forever as part of Australia’s National Reserve System.
This 14,000 hectare reserve is home to more than 200 bird species including the iconic Hall’s babbler, the Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrush, Bourke’s Parrot, Mulga Parrots and Chirruping Wedgebill. All Australian Babbler species can be seen here, plus three species of Fairy-wren. A birder’s paradise!

Just 16km East of Eulo on Adventure Way, it is not a well known spot for most except avid birdwatchers. It is just off the Adventure Way, accessible to most vehicles but offers no facilities. 150 different species have been sighted including several endangered species. Many parrot species including Bourke’s Parrot, Bluebonnets and Mulga Parrots can be seen here throughout the year.

Images kindly provided by AWC; David Jones and Helena Stokes

For an up to date bird list of Cunnamulla we suggest visiting ebird.org