Eyre Bird Observatory - Birds Australia

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Eyre Bird Observatory

The Eyre Bird Observatory is a research station established to collect information about birds and associated wildlife. Located in the Nuytsland Nature Reserve within the state of Western Australia it is the most isolated research facility in Australia.

Cocklebiddy Roadhouse on the Eyre Highway is about 50 km northwest. John Eyre named the place on his east-west journey of 1841.

The first Eyre Telegraph station, built in 1877, was replaced by the current limestone building in 1897. The Observatory was established in 1977 by The Royal Australian Ornithological Union, now Birds Australia. It contains a display which commemorates the roles that the Inter-Colonial Telegraph Line and the Eyre Telegraph Station played in establishing national communications within Australia.

The observatory accommodates up to eight over-night guests, and also welcomes day visitors. Because of our limited facilities, to avoid disappointment, advance bookings for overnight stays and meals are essential.

Where to find us

Map showing location of Eyre Bird Observatory

From the west — from Norseman, travel east to Cocklebiddy Roadhouse (438kms), then a further 16km to the Eyre Bird Observatory turnoff, which is signposted.
From the east — follow the Eyre Highway to Madura Roadhouse, then a further 75 kms to the Eyre Bird Observatory turnoff, which is signposted.
From the signposted turnoff — travel south on a straight gravel road for 14 kms to the microwave tower. It is generally good gravel with some rougher patches. Drive another 4 km to the Lookout. This gravel road has more rough patches. However the entire gravel road from the Eyre Highway to the Lookout is suitable for 2 WD, with care.

Trailers, caravans and 2WD vehicles — should be left at the Lookout. The caretakers will ferry overnight guests who have 2 WD vehicles from the Lookout to the Observatory by prior arrangement.
TRANSPORT IS NOT PROVIDED FOR DAY VISITORS.
CAMPING IS NOT PERMITTED IN THE NUYTSLAND NATURE RESERVE OR AT THE EYRE BIRD OBSERVATORY

4WD Vehicles

• Leave trailers and caravans at the Lookout
• Drive a further 3 km to the top of the scarp
• If you have a UHF radio, call the caretakers on channel 12 from the top of the scarp to check if the track is clear of other vehicles, and the condition of the track
• Proceed 1.2 km down the scarp to the Madura turnoff (Green Bottle Junction)
• Take the right-hand road to Eyre Bird Observatory (signposted)
• Deflate tyres to manufacturers' recommendations for sand driving (about 20 PSI, as a general guide) to prevent getting bogged and to prevent damage to the sand track.

The distance from the Lookout to the Observatory is about 13 kms. The last 10 kms is sand and limestone, suitable for 4WD only. It is unsuitable for trailers, vehicles with low clearance and 4WD vehicles with high tyre pressure.
The distance from the Observatory is indicated by road markers every km along this track.
NOTE: THERE IS NO PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICE ALONG THE EYRE HIGHWAY AND NO PETS ARE PERMITTED.

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Photo Gallery

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Accommodation


	Bunk Room (sleeps 4)

	Acacia Room (sleeps 4)

	Dune Room (sleeps 4)

The accommodation in the historic Old Telegraph Building is basic with shared bathroom and toilet facilities.
Guests should note:

Bookings are essential. Please contact the caretakers.
Up to a total eight guests can stay on any one night.
You will need to bring your own bed linen—Sleeping bag, sheets, pillowslip, towel—to reduce water used for laundry purposes.
Three meals per day are included in the cost of the booking.

There are three bedrooms, one with a double bed and bunks, one with a double bed and two singles, and one with two singles and bunks.

Prices for Accommodation

All prices include GST
Effective January 2011

Adults	$90	per person
Children (4-14 years)	$45	per person
Courses (6 nights)	$560	per person

10% discount for Seniors Card Holders, YHA and Birds Australia members.

Prices for Day Visitors

Per vehicle	$10
Lunch Adult	$15	(booking necessary)
Lunch Child (4-14)	$5	(booking necessary)
Dinner (Adult)	$25	(booking necessary)

Payments

Payments can be made by credit card (Visa/MasterCard) or cheque written out to Eyre Bird Observatory.

Teenagers must show student cards.

Eyre Bird Observatory is a not-for-profit facility, the fees being directed to covering the running costs of the Observatory.

Fee payments for courses cover transport within the nature reserve for course outings, tuition by experienced leaders, accommodation in shared rooms, and hearty meals!

Contact

Eyre Bird Observatory
PMB 32
Cocklebiddy via Norseman WA 6443
Tel: +61 8 9039 3450
Fax: +61 8 9039 3440
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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Research

The scientific programme at Eyre Bird Observatory (EBO) commenced in 1978 with the aid of a grant from the Utah Foundation. Research at EBO has continued since then under the supervision of the Course Leaders, Caretakers and Visiting Scientists.

Ornithology
Bird observations commenced on the first day of rehabilitation of the Telegraph Station and continue on a daily basis by the Caretakers and visitors. These data are supplemented by regular counts in defined areas in the vicinity of the Observatory. Weekly bird counts are carried out along the 13 km of Kanidal Beach. Records from EBO are forwarded for inclusion in the Bird Atlas and WA Bird Notes, the quarterly newsletter of the WA branch of Birds Australia.

Bird Banding
Bird banding commenced in 1977 and has continued since through the efforts of the Wardens and Caretakers, assisted by qualified Course Leaders and visiting banders. Banding studies at EBO include John Martindale’s MSc project on genetic relationships in birds; the extensive Honeyeater Expedition co-ordinated by Stephen Ambrose and Tim Marples; a PhD project by Stephen Ambrose on the behavioural and physiological ecology of the White-browed Scrubwren; and Tim Marples spent some months at EBO carrying out research into the ecology of the Singing Honeyeater. He also analysed data gathered by the EBO banding programme to examine trends in occurrence for a number of honeyeater species; Peter Congreve investigated plumage changes and moult sequences of a number of species banded at EBO, and contributed data to supplement known methods for ageing and sexing birds; Doug Watkins gathered data from banded birds to determine their role as pollinators in the region; Don Bradshaw and Dave Goldstein used EBO to conduct research into water metabolism and kidney function in honeyeaters; data gathered at EBO has contributed to research demonstrating Bergmann’s Rule in the Singing Honeyeater.

Annual banding studies at EBO continue to provide important data on seasonal movements and longevity of individuals and morphological variations in a number of species. Ornithological research has been an essential function at EBO and will continue under the supervision of qualified researchers.

Dune Stabilisation
Dune stabilisation efforts commenced with the establishment of EBO and progress reports of the success of this work have been presented in subsequent EBO Reports.

Botany
Allan Burbidge published a plant list for the region, adding to the work of R.F. Parsons, E.C. Nelson, G.J. Keighery and others. Botanical studies have continued with visits by E.R.L. Johnson, A.M. Baird, H. Kirkman, K.R. Newbey, M. McCallum-Webster and A. Brown.

Herpetology
Mike Bamford collected data at EBO as part of an honours project at Murdoch University, studying the biology of the Bobtailed Lizard Tiliqua rugosa. Further herpetological records for the area have been provided through research by M.J. Dyer, P. Congreve, T.M. Hanlon, G. Harold, G.M. Storr, M. Hutchinson and P. Griffin, and surveys by the Department of Conservation and Land Management.

Mammals
Mammal lists are kept up to date and are available to researchers. Information on ground dwelling mammals is based on trapping by the Department of Conservation and Land Management and EBO Wardens. Knowledge of the bat fauna is based on long term studies by Doug Watkins.

The Future
EBO is keen to encourage further research – if you would like to contribute, please contact the This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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History of Eyre

Edward John Eyre’s expedition - 1841

Mercilessly beaten by the sun, day after day, huddled frozen and bone-weary in his blankets at night, Edward John Eyre must often have felt that the life of an explorer was indeed harsh.

It was 1841 and 26 year old Eyre, together with his companion John Baxter and three Aborigines, was intent on breaking the barrier of desert, scrub and salt-pan that kept Western Australia isolated from the eastern colonies. Across almost 2000 kilometres of bleak, harsh, unyielding terrain, the small party struggled on to cross the lower western half of the continent. No rivers or streams irrigated this dry, dusty land and the explorers were frequently thirsty.

Among the coastal sand dunes south of what is known as Cocklebiddy, Eyre and his party dug for, and found, life-saving water. The place eventually became known as Eyre’s Sand Patch but was later abbreviated to Eyre. They recuperated here for 28 days before heading westward again on April 27, 1841. Two days later Baxter was murdered when two of the Aborigines deserted. Eyre, accompanied by Wylie, the remaining Aborigine, continued and became the first to walk from east to west.

The Eyre Telegraph Station is established - 1877

Because of the good supply of fresh water and proximity to the coast, Eyre’s Sand Patch was destined to become one of the repeater stations for the Inter-Colonial Telegraph Line which first linked Western Australia to the outside world. In 1877, when the line came through from Albany, the telegraph station was built. The original telegraph station was a weatherboard building with an office, kitchen, dining room and bedrooms. When William Graham arrived to take charge a similar building was erected for him, his wife Emily and their six children. The station opened for telegraph traffic on July 17, 1877.

Twenty years later in 1897, a limestone building was erected. The following year there were 17 people living at Eyre.

William Graham, first Station Master

Of all the people who worked on the Inter-Colonial Telegraph Line, William Graham, or Iron Man Graham as he was known to his contemporaries, was the most outstanding personality. He came from Kadina in South Australia and was a builder, an amateur anthropologist, a magnificent horseman, a long-distance swimmer, a successful horse breeder and a capable cross-country cyclist.

He learned the language of the local Aborigines and studied their culture. As a hobby he bred thoroughbred horses at Eyre and several of them were very successful racers. His own horse, a fine stallion appropriately named Wire, stood seventeen and a half hands high – almost as big as a Clydesdale.

Legend has it that he rode Wire 160 kilometres in one day to repair a break in the telegraph line. He is reputed to have regularly stayed on board the supply vessels which serviced Eyre until sailing time and then swam a kilometre back to shore through the shark-infested waters of the Southern Ocean. Also, he is believed to have ridden his bicycle 100 kilometres from Israelite Bay to Eyre in the days when there was nothing except scrub and mallee, and certainly no roads.

The Grahams brought up 10 children on the station. William Graham held the position of stationmaster until his retirement in 1901 to a farm in Narrogin. Some of his daughters married telegraph staff who later became stationmasters at Eucla and Israelite Bay.

Eyre Telegraph Station served Western Australia for fifty years until the original line closed in 1927 to be replaced by a telegraph route along the Trans Australian Railway, 150 kilometres to the north. The original buildings were sold for 30 pounds and some of the timber and iron was removed and transferred to Rawlinna. The beautiful limestone building fell into disuse until 1976.

Bird Observatory established - 1977

In 1976 discussions began between the Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union (now Birds Australia) and the Post Office Historical Society on the feasibility of restoring the building and using it as a full-time bird observatory and museum. The Utah Foundation made $ 13,500 available to cover establishment costs and in 1977 the first joint work party repaired the roof and later built rainwater tanks so that the building could be used all year round. Additional work provided hot and cold water, stainless steel sinks, wood and gas stoves, bathroom and shower, and a kerosene refrigerator.

Extracted from an article by Roger Burridge, Curator of the Post and Telegraph Museum, in Eyre’s Sand Patch to Eyre Bird Observatory, A Compilation of Memories, Reminiscences, and Stories (2008). Edited by Alma de Rebeira.

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Volunteering Opportunities

Are you interested in becoming a Volunteer Caretaker? Caretakers look after the facilities and visitors on a day-to-day basis, and contribute to the research and training activities which occur from time to time.

They also record weather data for the Bureau of Meteorology.

Appointments are made by the Observatory's Management Committee, which operates under the auspices of Birds Australia Western Australia.

Being a volunteer Caretaker is a rewarding experience for those with the time, an interest in birds and the environment in general, and a desire to help visitors to gain the most from their time at Eyre.

Volunteer Caretaker

The Eyre Bird Observatory operates on a system of voluntary caretakers who rotate on a three monthly basis.

Can you fill their shoes ?

Although the position is unpaid, all your needs are provided for and we are able to reimburse you some of the costs in getting to and from the Observatory.

You need to:

Have a demonstrated interest in birds and birding and/or the natural environment.
Have Computer literacy in Windows XP, emails, MS Word, MS Excel.
Have stayed at Eyre Bird Observatory for more than a day-visit.
Two adults (preferably a couple) are a necessary requirement.
Be prepared to commit to a minimum of a three-month stay.
Have sufficient mechanical skills to service the observatory vehicles, power generator, etc
Have an interest in people and hospitality.
Be prepared to cook and clean.
Be able to cope with isolation, remote conditions, i.e. ordering supplies weekly, limited water and power, NO easy shopping. (The nearest supermarket is at Norseman, about 400 km to the west).
Have the ability to communicate with a wide range of people.
Have a police clearance and a medical OK from your GP.

Do your skills and experience fit requirements?

Would you like more information? Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

If you would like to apply to be a caretaker, send a one-page description of your skills and experience to:

Alma de Rebeira (Committee member) - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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Eyre's Most Wanted

Couriers

Are you going to Eyre? Or even just passing by Cocklebiddy?

There are often articles that we need to transport to Eyre. If you happen to be coming our way, please contact the This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Donors automatically qualify to become a Friend of Eyre (FOE) and will receive a quarterly copy of Eyre Waves, the newsletter of Friends of Eyre Bird Observatory.

Licenced Tradespeople - Volunteers

We have a need for licenced:

Carpenters
Electricians
Mechanics (Vehicles, Generators, Pumps)
Plumbers
Diesel Mechanic

Funding

Eyre Bird Observatory is a not-for-profit facility. We rely upon your donations to purchase items such as pumps, generators and solar power cells.

If you have any queries about making a donation, please contact the This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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Coming Events

DUNE RESTORATION Half price! - $280 for 6 nights

Arriving 8th January, departing 14th January 2012 Facilitated by George & Pam Agar max 6 participants

This will be the first Dune Restoration Sessions for this year. The maximum number of participants will be 6. Eyre will subsidise the cost of accommodation and meals for those participants willing to work four hours a day. The tasks include seed collection (for future planting) and seaweed (for spreading on the dunes). Ring the Caretakers to secure your place. Get involved.

Planters at work

BUSY BEE Half price! - $280 for 6 nights

Arriving 19th February, departing 25th Feb 2012 Facilitated by Caretakers max 8 participants

The busy bee is organised to assist the caretakers with maintenance and other small jobs around the observatory. We charge $45 per day for food and accommodation for 4 hrs work each day. The rest of the time is yours to enjoy. You may not wish to stay for the full duration. (This is possible if caretakers are informed.)
Revisit Eyre, make a contribution and have a holiday all at the same time. 8 participants only accepted. Book your place with the caretakers now.
PS Where on the Nullarbor can you stay and be fed for just $45 per day?

AN INTRODUCTION TO BIRD BANDING - $560 for 6 nights

Arriving Sun 18th March, departing Saturday 24th March 2012 - facilitated by Wally Klau max 8 participants

This course is an introduction to bird banding and is led by one of Australia’s most experienced and respected bird banders. If you are interested in birds and would like to learn more about how to study them, this course will show you how.
You will spend most of your time in the field learning how and where to set mist nets. You will be able to handle birds and experience the excitement of determining the species, age and sex of birds and will be shown the fine detail that determines a correct identification. You will also be shown the correct method of banding, weighing, measuring and data collection for each bird you catch. Importantly, you will learn about the vital role that banding plays in bird research.

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