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Visitors flock to new Clive Minton Discovery Centre at Broome Bird Observatory

Jane MurphyBroome Advertiser
Broome Bird Observatory’s Maurice O'Connor and assistant warden Max Radvan beside the discovery centre’s wingspan sign.
Camera IconBroome Bird Observatory’s Maurice O'Connor and assistant warden Max Radvan beside the discovery centre’s wingspan sign. Credit: Broome Advertiser/Jane Murphy

A popular birdwatching hotspot on Roebuck Bay has opened its new discovery centre, giving locals and tourists the perfect location to nest.

Visitors to the Broome Bird Observatory will now be welcomed into the Clive Minton Discovery Centre to learn all about the local shorebirds who migrate from the banks of Roebuck Bay from March to May, returning between August and October, each year.

The centre houses habitat displays, stories on the migratory shorebirds and soundscapes, all with up-to-date science.

Visitors can learn about each bird’s different call, discover information about their lengthy migration and even try their hand at flapping their ‘wings’ on an interactive exhibit fondly known by volunteers as the ‘The Flappy Bird’.

Named after an influential figure in the history of the observatory, Clive Minton, the centre was built over four years and formed from a culmination of donations and local labour.

Maurice O’Connor, the chairman of the BBO management committee, told the Broome Advertiser at the forefront of his dream for the observatory was the chance to inform the public on how valuable these birds are to the natural environment.

He hopes the discovery centre can add to the observatory’s mission to educate.

“Our ultimate goal is to educate people about the wonderful nature of the natural environment we have around us, because if we’re not caring and don’t conserve the environment, they won’t be here for our grandkids,” he said.

“The discovery centre will help tremendously,” he said. “It’s a fun, entertaining, easy way to get a bit of information out to people. And hopefully, so long as there’s still birds here in 100 years, well, I’ve succeeded with my goal.”

In addition to the discovery centre, the observatory is also popular for camping with barbecue facilities, birdwatching tours and the much-loved Shadehouse, where visitors can gather at the end of each day to discuss that day’s sightings.

Entry to the Broome Bird Observatory’s Clive Minton Discovery Centre is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and free for under-16s, tour participants and overnight guests.

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