From Germany to Roebuck Bay
Hi,
I’m Juli, 22 years old and from Germany. Back home, I study pedagogy/education – with a special focus on supporting children with special needs, espacially kids who have experienced trauma – which I enjoy very much. I live in the beautiful university town of Würzburg - and my hometown is Münster, a really nice “bike-city” next to the border to the Netherlands.
Since nature education hasn’t really been part of my formal studies, but it is close to my heart, I seized the opportunity of an internship to explore that world. Where better to do that than at the Broome Bird Observatory? I feel incredibly lucky to have discovered the BBO through a family friend. The BBO team welcomed me warmly at the airport at the beginning of August – and since that moment, I’ve been living in paradise!🔆🌊🩷
Time has flown by so quickly— and now I’m already in the final stretch of my internship! 🙈
Our days here begin early and end with the setting sun, packed from top to bottom with activity. Every evening, I go to bed, brimming with joy, with tired red feet and countless beautiful memories and unique experiences🧚
Even the trip from the airport, bouncing along the red, corrugated Crab Creek Road, told me – although jetleg sneaked in – that this place is something truly special. On the plane, I asked the man next to me what the red lines were underneath the plain – and when he said “those are the Broome roads,” I realised exactly where I was: at the other end of the world! And not just any end—but THE end of the world.
The ocean seems to stretch into infinity, as if nothing else exists beyond it. I will never get used to that stunning contrast between the crystal‑clear sea and the red pindan sand—pure, wild beauty! Especially at high tide, when the turquoise water kisses those red shores, lovely!
On that very first drive, I also met my favourite bird: it was the first Rainbow Bee‑eater — a bird that remains still (even if there are “everywhere“ ;) one of my all‑time favourites🌈🩷
During my stay, I joined the evening Bird Logs, listening each night to where which birds had been spotted—and after a few evenings, I began contributing my own observations. I also got to experience several guided tours which was incredible — from the thrill of a White-bellied Sea Eagle soaring directly overhead, to meeting expressive brown falcons locking eyes with us, to glimpses of delicate Yellow Chats against the glowing sunset, and even whales passing by at ocean — every moment left me speechless…🪶
Supporting the BBO team during these weeks gave me great joy: I worked developing an educational program—so that soon, many more children, school classes, and entire schools can engage with and fall in love with nature, and appreciate Roebuck Bay as their local paradise. I’ve been able to see parts of the program designed being used in real life and even lead sessions myself!
Welcoming three school groups during my time here and seeing their excitement and curiosity was incredibly rewarding and moments I’ll keep in mind forever :))
I’m going to deeply miss the constant, magical bird‑concerts around me at this “quiet never‑silent” place. I’ll miss the morning breakfasts with the cute wallabies, chatting with guests from all over the world with their different storys and one same thing: everyone share a passion for nature. I’ll miss the blue tongue lizards while stepping out of my room and the good night wishes from Ozzie the local Osprey each afternoon!
Ozzie, our local young male Osprey who perches on the Discovery Centre.
And yes, I’ll even miss the frogs that share the loo with me! ;) Of course, the sunrises and sunsets, the long and short walks around the observatory, and the whole wonderful BBO team that does such meaningful work!!!
I’m really greatful for all of these so special experiences, many learnings and memories you offered to me! And I’m certain I will return one day!
Until then, I’m sending loving, glowing, joyous, loud, and chirpy greetings—
See you soon,
Juli