Page "Broome, Western Australia" Paragraph 16

Roebuck Bay is of international importance for the millions of migratory waders or shorebirds that use it seasonally on migration through the East Asian – Australasian Flyway from their breeding grounds in northern Asia.

They feed on the extensive intertidal mudflats and roost at high tide on the red sand beaches of the Bay.

They can be seen in the largest numbers in summer, but many of the younger birds remain throughout the first and second years of their lives.

The Broome Bird Observatory, sited in pindan woodland close to the northern shore of Roebuck Bay, was established by Birds Australia in 1988, and formally opened in 1990.

The purpose of the observatory is to study the birds, learn how to protect them, and educate the public about them.