MORE than 400 unique species of birds call the Northern Territory home and September is the perfect time for serious bird lovers and those who just love the beauty and variety of our feathered fauna to head north for a smorgasbord of colour.
This month features three events guaranteed to amaze and delight so head off up North and don't forget the camera.
Red Centre Bird Festival, Alice Springs: September 4-8
This is one of Australia's leading nature festivals and it comes alive in Alice Springs, the heart of Australia, from Wednesday, September 4 - 8.
The Red Centre has a suite of bird life unlike anything else on offer around the country, including amazing iconic species such as Spinifex Pigeon, Dusky Grasswren, Rufous-crowned Emu-wren, Bourke's Parrot and Mulga Parrot.
These iconic species are rare and you would struggle to find them elsewhere, but in Central Australia they are a common sight.
Locals and visitors are invited to enjoy what the Red Centre has to offer with activities for experienced birdwatchers, nature lovers and those starting the journey. Take part in photography tours, field trips, hear from specialists and enjoy a colourful array of bird art in the heart of Australia.
See the program here
Kakadu Bird Week, Kakadu National Park, September 28-October 5
Kakadu is a bird lover's paradise - home to more than a third of Australia's bird species.
Join traditional owners, Parks Australia, scientists, local experts and BirdLife Australia to celebrate the Top End's diverse birdlife during Kakadu Bird Week.
Enjoy free birdwatching activities, learn from leading researchers and traditional owners, and experience wetlands cruises, Aborginal bird experiences and more.
The full program for Bird Week 2019 is coming soon. Sign up to the mailing list here to be the first to hear about this year's events.
Katherine Bird Festival, Katherine, September 12-15
Katherine hosted its inaugural Bird Festival in 2018, which doubled the number of participants that were expected, with interstate and international visitors joining locals in exploring the Savannah Gulf region.
Many events centered around the vulnerable Gouldian Finch. Bird counts were conducted to aid research, bird boxes were built and painted by community groups, and expert-guided walks led many guests to proclaim 'Wow. That's my first Gouldian I've seen in the wild'.
Other events to be held in 2019 include bird-watching cruises, expert led morning, afternoon and nocturnal bird watching activities, information sessions and family activities.
This Bird Festival is not to be missed - it will undoubtedly become one of Australia's premier birding events. This bird watchers haven won't remain a secret for very long. More information here.
Aussie Backyard Bird Count
And if you can't make it to the Northern Territory to enjoy our feathered friends, remember there are plenty in our own backyards and the annual Aussie Backyard Bird Count October 21-27 is the perfect opportunity to get out and about and appreciate them.