Silv

er G

ull.

Pho

to: P

am A

gar

Birdwatching around Fremantle

birdlife.org.au

Australia’s voice for birds since 1901BirdLife Australia is dedicated to achieving outstanding conservation results for our native birds and their habitats. With our specialised knowledge and the commitment of an Australia-wide network of volunteers and supporters, we are creating a bright future for Australia’s birds.

BirdLife Western Australia 167 Perry Lakes Drive, Floreat WA 6014 T 08 9383 7749 | wa@birdlife.org.au

facebook.com/BirdLifeAustralia | @BirdlifeOz ABN 75 149 124 774

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Nestled between the Swan River and Indian Ocean, the City of Fremantle provides a number of excellent birdwatching opportunities in some of the most picturesque locations of the metropolitan area. The coastline provides a number of sites where coastal species such as Crested Tern can easily be encountered, whilst North Mole offers one of the best location in the metropolitan area to look for pelagic sea bird species such as shearwaters. The adjoining coastal heath contains species such as White-browed Scrubwren and White-cheeked Honeyeater and remnant areas of woodland provide habitat for typical bush bird species of the Swan Coastal Plain. A number of birdwatching locations also have excellent recreational facilities, providing options for a family day out.

1. Sir Frederick Samson ParkAlthough relatively small, this park is the largest remnant patch of bushland in the City of Fremantle. The vegetation consists of mature Tuart, Jarrah and Marri trees with Banksia and Grass Trees amongst various other shrub species. A number of bush birds can easily be encountered such as Red Wattlebird, Australian Ringneck and Australian Magpie whilst paying closer attention can afford sightings of smaller

species such as Weebill, Striated Pardalote and Spotted Pardalote (seasonal). Walking tracks dissect the park giving good access. This is the best location to look for an array of bush birds in the Fremantle area, while playground facilities and grassed areas make this an ideal spot to bring the kids and a picnic lunch.

Paintings and photographs by John Anderson, Robin Ashford, Judy Blyth, Liz Fox, Pam Free, Michael Morcombe, Georgina Steytler, Susan Tingay

Bird Guide No 50AB July 2016All content is subject to copyright ©.Enquiries to BirdLife Western Australia.

BirdLife Western Australia members are offered a variety of activities and services including conservation and research projects, excursions, campouts, surveys and social activities.

There is also a library and books for sale at the office. To view the full range of bird guides visit the website.

This guide was supported by funding from the Western Australian Government’s State NRM Program.

Red Wattlebird

Brown Honeyeater

Birdwatching around Fremantle

2. Booyeembara ParkAn area of urbanised bushland with grassed areas and small artificial lakes. A number of playgrounds and open areas make this a nice location to bring the family for a picnic, along with some bird watching. Stands of grevilleas provide good habitat for honeyeaters, with White-cheeked Honeyeater common along with Brown and Singing Honeyeater and Silvereye. Parking can be found off Montreal Street with bitumen walk trails throughout the park.

3. Clontarf HillLocated adjacent to Clontarf Road, this small patch of vegetation includes some of Fremantle’s oldest growth Tuart trees, along with low coastal scrub. A walk trail ascends from the car park, culminating in an excellent view of the city of Fremantle and Cockburn Sound. While the Friends of Clontarf Hill Community Group is active in revegetating efforts, notable disturbance to vegetation and habitat exists, limiting the number of bird species likely to occur. Common species such as Willie Wagtail, Singing Honeyeater and Silvereye are likely to be encountered.

4. South BeachLocated south of the Fremantle Sailing Club marina, access can be gained off Marine Terrace with ample parking, although the area becomes very busy in summer. The protected beach and grassed areas make this an attractive location to spend the day whilst completing some birdwatching. Typical common coastal bird species such as Crested Tern and occasional Caspian Tern can be seen whilst the coastal heath contains species such as White-browed Scrub-wren and White-cheeked Honeyeater. Look for Osprey flying along the coastline.

5. Bathers BeachA small beach located off Mews Road which is popular with swimmers during the warmer months. Within the coastal vegetation Singing Honeyeater and Silvereye are common but keep a closer look out for Variegated Fairy-wrens. The beach often has high human disturbance but common coastal species such as Crested Tern and Silver Gull will be seen flying around. Look for Tree Martins and Welcome Swallows flying low and fast over the vegetation. In the nearby trees of Esplanade Reserve look for roosting Nankeen Night-Heron.

6. North MoleAn excellent vantage point to observe coastal and sea bird species. Pied Cormorant, Crested and Fairy Tern can usually be seen. Look for Arctic Jaeger during Autumn months chasing Silver Gulls as they try to steal an easy feed. During winter storms North Mole provides a location to sea-watch pelagic species such as Wilson’s Storm-Petrel, Australasian Gannet, Wedge-tailed and Flesh-footed Shearwater, Brown Skua and Giant Petrels.

7. Sandtrax, Port & Leighton BeachPort Beach Road contains a number of car parks to easily access the picturesque beaches. Coastal bird species such as Crested Tern and Silver Gull can be seen along the beach. Shorebird species such as Pied Oystercatcher, Red-capped Plover, Red-necked Stint (summer) and Sanderling (summer) are also possible. In the adjacent coastal shrub White-browed Scrubwren and Singing Honeyeater can be found and look for Nankeen Kestrel hovering above. In recent years a Fairy Tern breeding colony has established itself adjacent to Rudderham Drive, just south of Port Beach.

Red-necked Stint

Common Sandpiper

Species List

8. Cantonment HillCantonment Hill, adjacent to Queen Victoria Street is a fascinating site, rich in both Aboriginal and European history. One of the traditional names for the site is Walyarup, which translates to Sea-Eagle nest by the indigenous Whadjuk people. The remnant vegetation is only small in size (approximately 4 hectares) and is relatively disturbed, although some revegetation works have been conducted in previous years. A small number of birds will be encountered but should include Silvereye, Singing Honeyeater and White-browed Scrub-wren. The real attraction to this site is the stunning views of Fremantle port and the Swan River that are obtained once reaching the top of the hill.

9. North Fremantle ReservesThe Swan River provides excellent habitat for a wide range of waterbird species and provides an idyllic birdwatching location. Look for Australasian Darter, Pied, Little Pied, Little Black and Great Cormorants perched or swimming in the river. Crested, Caspian and Fairy Terns can be seen flying overhead and diving to catch small fish while shorebird species such as Pied Oystercatcher, Red-capped Plover, Red-necked Stint (summer only) and Common Sandpiper (summer only) forage on exposed shoreline areas. The river can be accessed at various points along the bank and includes locations such as Prawn Bay, Harvey Beach and Rocky Bay.

Black SwanAustralian ShelduckAustralasian ShovelerPacific Black DuckHardhead

Waterfowl

Wilson’s Storm-PetrelSlender-billed PrionBrown SkuaArctic Jaeger

Seabird

Australasian GannetAustralasian DarterLittle Pied CormorantGreat CormorantLittle Black CormorantPied CormorantAustralian Pelican

Gannet, Cormorant, Pelican

White-faced HeronNankeen Night-HeronAustralian White IbisStraw-necked Ibis

Heron, Ibis

Eastern OspreyWhite-bellied Sea-EagleWhistling KiteBrown GoshawkCollared Sparrowhawk

Raptor

Australian Spotted Crake

Crake

Australian Pied OystercatcherBlack-winged StiltBanded StiltGrey PloverRed-capped PloverBanded LapwingGrey-tailed TattlerRuddy TurnstoneSanderling

Shorebird

Bridled TernFairy TernCaspian TernCrested TernPacific GullSilver Gull

Gull, Tern

Nankeen KestrelBrown FalconAustralian HobbySwamp Harrier

Pied Cormorant

Little Black Cormorant Great Cormorant

Nankeen Night-Heron

Nankeen Kestrel

Eastern Osprey

Australian Pied Oystercatcher

Red-capped Plover

Fairy Tern

Caspian Tern

Crested Tern

Splendid Fairy-wrenStriated Pardalote

Fairy-wren, Pardalote

WeebillWestern Gerygone

Thornbill & Allies

Western SpinebillSinging HoneyeaterYellow-throated MinerWestern WattlebirdRed WattlebirdBrown HoneyeaterNew Holland Honeyeater

White-cheeked HoneyeaterWhite-naped Honeyeater

Honeyeater

Rufous WhistlerGrey Shrike-thrush

Whistler, Shrike-thrush

Magpie-larkGrey FantailWillie Wagtail

Magpie-lark, Fantail

Black-faced Cuckoo-shrikeGrey ButcherbirdAustralian MagpieGrey Currawong

Cuckoo-shrike, Magpie, Butcherbird

Australian Raven

Corvid

Australasian Pipit

Pipit

Mistletoebird

Mistletoebird

Welcome SwallowFairy MartinTree Martin

Swallow, Martin

Australian Reed-WarblerSilvereye

Reed-Warbler, Silvereye

Shining Bronze-CuckooLaughing KookaburraSacred KingfisherRainbow Bee-eater

Cuckoos, Kingfisher

Southern Boobook

Night Birds

Red-tailed Black-CockatooCarnaby’s Black-CockatooGalahLong-billed CorellaLittle CorellaRainbow LorikeetRegent ParrotAustralian RingneckRed-capped Parrot

Cockatoo, Parrot

Rock DoveLaughing DoveSpotted DoveCommon BronzewingCrested Pigeon

Pigeon, Dove

Australian Magpie

Willie Wagtail

Striated Pardalote

Spotted Dove

Laughing DoveRock Dove

Galah Red-capped Parrot

Australian RingneckSinging Honeyeater

White-cheeked Honeyeater

Tree MartinWelcome Swallow