Moreton Bay Region’s very own twitching guide takes flight

Published 23 February 2021

Dust off your binoculars, pack your camera and put on your walking shoes — we’ve got your go-to guide for the best birdwatching sites in Moreton Bay Region.

Thanks to a partnership with Birds Queensland and Birdlife Southern Queensland, Council is proud to launch the inaugural Birds Places of the Moreton Bay Region brochure.

Mayor Peter Flannery said it was a handy back-pocket guide to local birding revealing all the best kept local secrets.

“Across our islands and coastlines, grasslands and hinterlands, rainforests and more, you can spot more than 360 bird species across our region,” he said.

“That’s around 42% of Australia’s bird species recorded in Moreton Bay Region alone!

“With so much to see, this brochure features 34 birding sites with details on the local facilities, parking, accessibility, trails, biking, barbeques, GPS coordinates and the species you’re likely to spot so you can plan your adventure.

“We thank Birds Queensland and Birdlife Southern Queensland for collaborating with us on this project to help make it easier than ever for passionate birders to explore our beautiful region.”

President of Birds Queensland Dr Stephen Prowse said Moreton Bay Region has a number of excellent birdwatching sites covering a range of habitats.

“Between the rainforests, woodlands, large freshwater lakes, beaches and mangroves, there’s plenty of species to spot in Moreton Bay Region,” he said.

“With details on the best places to see birds, the local facilities and species you’re most likely to see, the brochure will be equally valuable to locals, South East Queenslander or visitors from within Australia or overseas to explore Moreton Bay Region.”

Councillor Darren Grimwade (Division 11) contributed funding for the printing of the brochure and said the guide fills a gap in local tourism resources.

“Moreton Bay Region supports a billion dollar tourism industry with drive tourism a significant contributor,” he said.

“This new brochure gives birdwatchers and nature-lovers a new reason to visit our region and support our local economy during their stay.

“I hope this investment inspires locals and visitors to get off the beaten track and rediscover the diversity and beauty of our region.” 

Convenor of BirdLife Australia Judith Hoyle said she can’t wait for locals to get their hands on the brochure.

“BirdLife Southern Queensland and Birds Queensland have collaborated on similar brochures for other councils and, as a resident of the Moreton Bay Region, I am extremely pleased we’re next in line,” she said.

“Locals will finally have access to a wonderful resource which will allow them to connect with the incredibly diverse range of birds found here.”

Project coordinator Peter Storer said that there was clearly a strong need for the brochure.

“Many people have asked why we had brochures for Brisbane and other areas but not for Moreton Bay Region, which is such a beautiful and diverse area for wildlife,” he said.

"I’ve already placed the brochure in my glove box as a handy reference for local birdwatching sites and I encourage others to do the same".

Pick up your copy of Birds of Moreton Bay at your local environment centre or download a copy on Council’s website: www.mbrc.qld.gov.au/bird-places