Birdwatching
The Tamworth Region is a famous bird watching region and was the first area to produce its own Bird Routes in Australia.
The bird routes consist of 36 sites along a 180km corridor. Barraba was the first area to produce its own Bird Routes in Australia and most of the sites are part of old droving roads known as Travelling Stock Routes, with many of them signposted for easy reference. There are more than 250 species of birds seen in the area with the endangered Regent Honeyeater found near Barraba, one of the species most sought after by twitchers as well as the Turquoise Parrot.
The Tamworth region particularly Barraba, has an international reputation as a bird-watching region and for its documented bird routes. Geographically it is a transitional area between the sparsely vegetated inland plains and the forests of the Great Dividing Range. This means it is inhabited by birds of western NSW and eastern NSW.
North of Barraba, you'll find the The Millie Creek Travelling Stock Route where you are guaranteed glimpses of the extraordinary Regent Honeyeater in the Silver leaved Ironbark and White Box Forest.
Some of the other more popular routes to observe birds include the Moonbi Common and New England Gully Road, where parrots and finches can be found. The Cockburn River near Limbri has several bird watching and picnic sites that follow the watercourse. With the high altitude at Nundle, Hanging Rock and Sheba Dams means Crimson Rosellas and Satin Bowerbirds are usually resident along with many bush birds and some water birds.
From the Post Office at Manilla, head east along Strafford Street and turn at the track located between the playing fields leading down to the Manilla Weir. In amongst the magnificent gum trees look for nesting parrots and honeyeaters while flocks of water birds can be seen on the playing fields.
If twitchers continue further north another 3 kilometres to a sign board, look for the Sacred Kingfisher's nesting hole in the bank hidden below tree roots running parallel to the creek. Sightings of the vulnerable species the Turquoise Parrot have been observed around the camping areas of the Warrabah National Park near Barraba and at Horton Falls Bird Route.There are many more bird routes throughout the area that will enable visitors to observe many of the regions unique wildlife.
There are many species of birds to be spotted with scarce and abundant varieties alike. Visitors looking for wildlife are urged to take care to ensure their presence has a minimal impact on the natural environment as possible. Please remember to not consciously disturb creatures or their habitats. Never feed birds or other wildlife and remember to take binoculars to ensure you can locate birds and wildlife. Walk quietly and be patient for this will assist you in seeing more.
A leaflet available at the region's Visitor Information Centres - produced by Tamworth Birdwatchers Inc and sponsored by Namoi Catchment Management Authority - includes images of some of the region's native bird species. It includes a written description of each along with suggestions on how to attract more native birds to backyards.
For more information, contact the Barraba Visitor Information Centre or the Tamworth Birdwatchers Inc can be contacted by calling 02 6760 5740 or barrababirds@optus.com.au

