The history
The BirdLife Australia Discovery Centre borders the 48-hectare Newington Nature Reserve –home to over 200 native bird and animal species.
The reserve provides an important habitat for many flora and fauna, including migratory birds protected under international agreements. It also protects rare remnant forest and wetland habitats that collectively support these bird species with the majority of the area comprising of Ironbark forest, swampland and coastal saltmarsh.
The Discovery Centre itself houses an extensive bird book library along with an education room to support the community who are interested in teaching or learning about birds.
The volunteers of BirdLife Australia’s Discovery Centre
EagleCAM
One of the most important facilities in the centre is the EagleCAM. Established in 2009, this advanced video technology allows visitors to get up close and personal to the resident White-bellied Sea Eagles. These fascinating birds return every year from May to November, and you may even be lucky enough to spot a chick in the nest!
Catch a bird’s-eye view of resident White-bellied Sea Eagles nesting on the EagleCAM live stream.
The birds of BirdLife Australia’s Discovery Centre
The White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster is a fairly common sight along the coasts and inland rivers of Australia, as well as further afield. However, little is known about their complete breeding cycle from nest building to fledging. The Discovery Centre provides a place to investigate their habitat, habits and how we can help them survive long term.
The current pair of Parramatta River Sea-Eagles is often seen during the day on their prominent mangrove perch, loafing or feeding on a mullet or other fish from the wetlands. They may also be seen soaring overhead on up-swept wings.
Other birds that can be spotted in and around the Centre include:
- Purple Swamphen
- Chestnut Teal
- Tawny Frogmouth
- Red-browed Finch
- Rainbow Lorikeet
- Cormorant
- Willie Wagtail
- White-faced Herron
- Australian Magpie
- Pied Currawong