Bruny Island Bird Festival
- This event has passed.
March 15, 2024 – March 17, 2024
The three-day Bruny Island Bird Festival, held every two years, is a community celebration of the remarkable diversity of birdlife on the island. Sponsored by the Bruny Island Environment Network, BirdLife Tasmania, and Inala Nature Tours, the festival draws on the wealth of knowledge and experience of experts in these groups to provide both an engaging and educative immersion in the natural delights of Bruny.
In 2024, the festival will continue to build on the four key elements of Community, Conservation, Science, and Creativity to further involve the people of Bruny and Tasmania in the many tours, walks, workshops, lecturers, speakers, markets, and cultural celebrations that are the festival.
A Perfect Size – A short walk on Bruny can take you from dramatic coastal habitat with shorebirds on the sand and oceanic seabirds gliding gracefully by offshore, up into dense mixed forest where bush birds dart from branch to branch and a symphony of songs entwines the trees. Or begin in open grassland amongst the Native Hens and conclude by strolling through the dripping temperate rainforest with the elusive Pink Robin peeking from behind the tree ferns. The more you look and listen on this remarkable island, the more you will discover.
Conservation – Over 150 bird species are found on Bruny including all 12 of Tasmania’s endemic birds, as the island has such diverse ecological habitats. The incredible birdlife of Bruny is recognized internationally and all of Bruny Island is a recognized Important Bird Area, frequently listed as must-see destination for nature lovers. The Bruny Island Bird Festival gives those who live here a chance to further celebrate and understand the local birdlife, learning more about their habitats and behaviors, the environmental pressures and challenges they face and ways in which we can all help preserve and protect this unique Island. The festival encourages responsible birding habits, ethical photography, and a conservation message that permeates the whole event.
Science – Science allows us to explore the fragile beauty and breathtaking functionality of an eggshell, the colors and complex composition of a feather, or the way a bird can sing with a mouth full of food. Our questions about birds and their lives are endless, the discoveries fascinating. There are events, workshops, and lectures addressing many studies and innovations involving birds. Learn from researchers, rangers, students, and professionals from throughout the birding world.
Creativity – All over Bruny there are talented and burgeoning artists, writers, musicians, sculptors, photographers, and artisans of all ages and abilities. This event seeks to involve anyone who uses birds amongst their creative inspirations. It is never too early to begin honing your bird photography skills, to start creating an artwork for the Art Exhibition, or to begin gathering materials for your next Gatepost Sculpture.
Community- No birding knowledge or binoculars are required to be involved, simply a love for this wonderful island, a passion for nature, or a desire to be part of a great community event. Let your friends know when it is happening, sign yourself up for events, come to the market day, take part in the competitions, and feel free to get in touch with new ideas or to put yourself forward as a volunteer, sponsor, or speaker. School groups, community groups, businesses, residents, and visitors – everyone is welcome.