Discover: Richmond Valley Bird Trails

Welcome to birdwatching around Richmond Valley Council area.

Richmond Valley Council area lies within the lands of the Bundjalung Nation who are the traditional custodians of this land.

The Richmond Valley covers an area of almost 3,051 square kilometres and stretches about 85 km inland from the coast at Evans Head to the foothills of the Great Dividing Range. Like other Northern Rivers areas it is an overlay between tropical and temperate ecosystems known as the Macleay – McPherson Overlap; a region known for its extremely high biodiversity made possible by its landscape and climate. It is the southernmost limit for many tropical species as well as being the northernmost limit for many temperate species. The region comprises mountain bushland, dry and subtropical rainforest, hilly scrubland, timber country and grazing land, floodplains with sugarcane and tea tree stands, wetland and swamp to coastal heath, rocky headlands and dunal systems.

Significantly, much of the Richmond Valley area lies within the Richmond River floodplain with numerous freshwater lagoons scattered throughout the area. The dry sclerophyll woodlands to the west of Casino provide the best opportunity for observing dry woodland birds in our area. However, most of the floodplain is privately owned, restricting birdwatching to road-side habitats.
These coast to hinterland habitat niches add up to provide food, shelter, roosting and breeding needs for a great variety of birds and so is a wonderful area for birdwatchers to explore.

The brochure provides information on 23 locations and a list of known bird species (nearly 330) which have been recorded in the Richmond Valley. Some vagrant and rare birds have been excluded from the list and only a small selection of birds sighted at each location has been provided. Many of the bird species listed may be viewed in suitable habitat and in the right season at multiple sites. A definitive list can be downloaded from the BBB website. While birdwatching, remember to dress appropriately and always protect yourself against sunburn and insect bites. A pair of binoculars and a good field guide or bird app of Australian Birds will undoubtedly enhance your experience.