Feathered Wonders of Shoalhaven Heads
A Local’s Perspective by Peter Noakes
I am a retired amateur, self-taught photographer who has called Shoalhaven Heads home for the last five years. While I’ve lived on the South Coast since 1981, my true passion lies in wildlife photography—specifically, our incredible local birdlife.
I wouldn’t call myself a "bird nerd" in the traditional sense, but I love the process: photographing them, identifying the species, and researching their unique behaviours. I regularly share my finds on the Shoalhaven Heads Community Facebook page, and you can find my broader collection of photography from across the coast and the country on my Instagram: @peter_noakes_.
A Surprising Variety
When my wife and I first moved to the Heads, I was both surprised and delighted by the sheer variety and number of bird species here. Even after five years, I am still discovering new birds every time I venture out with my trusty Canon R5 and 200-800mm lens.
Our Migratory Visitors
The Shoalhaven Heads inlet is a vital stop for a vast variety of migratory shorebirds. These incredible travellers visit us from as far away as Siberia, New Guinea, Northern NSW, and Tasmania.
On the inlet sand flats, you can spot:
Bar-tailed Godwits
Far Eastern Curlews
Pacific Golden Plovers
Red-necked Stints
Sanderlings
Double-banded Plovers
Red-capped Plovers
The occasional Beach-Stone Curlew
When to visit: Peak viewing for migratory birds is from Spring through to Autumn. However, many species like the Red-capped Plovers, certain Godwits, and Curlews are locals and remain here year-round.
Local Tip: These birds are monitored by BirdLife Shoalhaven. Please respect the roped-off areas during breeding season and remember that these sand flats are a dog-free zone to protect these fragile species.
High-Speed Wonders & Raptors
One of my most challenging subjects has been the White-throated Needletail. As Australia’s largest swifts, they breed in Central Asia and Siberia before spending the winter here. They very rarely land and can reach speeds of 130 to 170 kilometres per hour while feeding in the air—a true test for any photographer!
We also have many varieties of raptors that call Shoalhaven Heads home:
Eastern Ospreys: Look for a pair perched on the yacht masts moored in the river (best seen from Hay Ave).
White-bellied Sea Eagles & Whistling Kites: Frequently seen patrolling the skies.
Black-shouldered Kites & Nankeen Kestrels: Common local hunters.
Wedge-tailed Eagles & Goshawks: These often venture down from Coolangatta Mountain for a look around.
Australian Hobbies: Recently, a pair even used the communications tower near the fire station to nest and have successfully produced a chick.
Shoalhaven Heads is truly a birdwatcher's paradise. I hope to see you out there—with your binoculars or your camera!
Peter Noakes
Follow on Instagram @peter_noakes_
Keep in mind that our landscape is ever-changing; while the inlet is often a quiet sanctuary, it naturally opens to the ocean during high tides or heavy rains, creating a dynamic environment for both the birds and the photography.