Wide open skies, biologically diverse waterholes, lakes and grassland reserves make this region a breeding ground for many unique species of birdlife.
Budding birdwatchers and serious ornithologists are spoilt for choice in Tennant Creek. Here are some of the popular locations for local ‘twitchers’.
Picnic by the lake
Take the kids for a barbeque picnic and a swim at Lake Mary Ann, just five kilometres out of Tennant Creek.
There are a variety of bushwalking tracks around the lake to take short journeys to spot a variety of birds such as the Crimson Chat, Spinifexbird and Variegate Fairy-wren.
A great spot to spend the afternoon even if the birds haven’t decided to drop by, but when they do, makes for a successful bird watching event.
Davenport Ranges
The Davenport Range National Park is an important refuge for fauna, especially water birds, due to an extensive network of waterholes.
Stroll around the park and listen for the squawk of little Corellas or search for a variety of duck such as the Hardhead and Grey Teal. Other varieties such as the little eagle, and red-tailed black-cockatoo at The Old Police Station Waterhole may be seen regularly.
Also nestled in the Davenport Ranges, and part of a greater network of waterholes, Whistle Duck is a serene spot for bird watching.
Some birds in this area include the sacred kingfisher, Black-chinned Honeyeater, straw-necked ibis and whistling kite.
Lagoons and tablelands
The only reserve in Australia established for the conservation of Mitchell Grassland communities, Connells Lagoon Conservation Reserve is situated in the heart of the Barkly Tablelands.
The Lagoon, originally established for the protection of the Mitchell Grassland communities. A location to visit with one of our bird specialists, Connells Lagoon can provide some extraordinary species, however regular species include the Flock Bronzewing, Pictorella Mannikin, Red-chested Button-quail, and the Letter-winged Kite.
Head to the popular camping spot at Renner Springs, which also attracts birds through a natural spring, known as Mud Springs, and Lake Woods is a major breeding habitat for many inland birds, including pelicans, cormorants, darters, straw neck and Glossy ibis.
Bird checklist
- Crimson Chat
- Spinifex Pigeon
- Variegate Fairy Wren
- Corella
- Hardhead duck
- Grey Teal duck
- Little Eagle
- Red-tailed Black Cockatoo
- Kingfisher
- Black-chinned Honeyeater
- Straw-neck Ibis
- Whistling Kite
These are just a few, for a more comprehensive list of birds in the Northern Territory please download the Bird Checklist (PDF).
