Migration Watch at BBO is coming up in March and April.

Each year, @broomebirdobservatory hosts Migration Watch — a seasonal program that monitors and celebrates the northward departure of tens of thousands of migratory shorebirds from Roebuck Bay. It is truly one of the greatest spectacles of nature in Australia.

Migration Watch season: Early March to mid May
Peak migration: Mid March to mid April

Daily: 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Where: Northern shore of Roebuck Bay (in front of BBO)

What is Migration Watch?

Migration Watch combines monitoring, data recording, and public participation. Each afternoon, the BBO Wardens and team set up scopes along the shoreline to observe, identify, and record species and numbers as shorebirds gather and depart on their extraordinary flights to the Arctic breeding grounds. We also get to witness their incredible pre-migration antics… think marathon runners at the start line.

Why is it important?
Roebuck Bay is a critical site on the East Asian–Australasian Flyway
Birds must feed, rest, and build fat reserves here before flying thousands of kilometres non-stop to their breeding grounds.
Long-term Migration Watch records help track changes in timing, numbers, and species, supporting shorebird conservation and management.

Sharing this experience builds awareness of why protecting roosting and feeding habitat matters so much. The best afternoons are when the high tide is below 5.0 meters, birds concentrate on the mudflat prior to migration, creating ideal viewing and recording conditions.

While a single evening can be spectacular, Migration Watch is best experienced over consecutive nights — numbers build, behavior shifts, and each day is completely different.

Why not stay at BBO:
BBO offers air-conditioned single and double rooms, plus a self-contained chalet, or camping, perfect for guests wanting to fully immerse themselves in Migration Watch.

Visit our website to book accommodation and transfers, or call or email us if you’d like help choosing the best dates around the tides and peak migration — we’re very happy to recommend options.