Kangaroo Island is home to over 260 species of birds and, according to long-standing birding and tour guide with Exceptional Kangaroo Island, Tim Williams, it’s easy enough to find 40+ species in the first few hours while exploring within a 10km2 radius. “We have so much habitat in a very confined area on Kangaroo Island, that birds are easy to find without much travelling,” he says. “We’re spoilt when it comes to birds.”
Crimson Rosellas are one of the island's endemic species. Image: Exceptional Kangaroo Island
Separated from the mainland by a mere 15km of ocean, Kangaroo Island is a wildlife haven. Visitors are blown away by how much there is to see, and passionate guides are the best point of contact when it comes to leading the explorations. “I spent most of my childhood years here and know the island intimately,” Tim says. “I’m thrilled to use my knowledge and show visitors what the island is all about.”
Kangaroo Island's 260+ bird species occupy a wide range of habitat types. Image: Exceptional Kangaroo Island
The three-day private birding adventure spans a variety of experiences and bird sighting opportunities, with coastal, oceanic and land-based adventures all part of the itinerary. “We have a lot of intact habitat with a great deal of understorey, so birds are fairly easy to find here. The bird species most people hear about is the Glossy Black-Cockatoo. They can be elusive until you understand their habitat and behavioural patterns, but since we live in their habitat we know where to find them,” Tim says. “The Glossies are one of the 17 island sub-species which have developed in isolation and guests are often keen to learn about the subtle differences of the island populations.”
Glossy Black-Cockatoos are one of 17 endemic Kangaroo Island sub-species. Image: Exceptional Kangaroo Island
Tim explains that over three days guests will see hundreds of birds from a huge range of bird species, and for serious birders, Tim always carries a bird list. “But the tour is also great for anyone, and although we are accustomed to having guests who are keen on birds, we also see people who are generally into wildlife and nature,” he says. “There are always opportunities to see echidnas, sea lions, kangaroos, koalas, and Tammar Wallabies as well as flowering eucalyptus, wildflowers and, of course, magnificent coastal scenery.”
Amazing coastal birdlife is part of the experience at Seal Bay. Image: Exceptional Kangaroo Island
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Kangaroo Island Birding Tour (3D/2N)
Kangaroo Island is a birdwatcher's paradise, with the opportunity to spot over 260 birds, almost one-third of Australia's bird count.