Welcome! to the Hunter Bird Observers Club based in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, Australia.

The Hunter Region is centered on the coastal city of Newcastle (some 160 km north of Sydney) and its hinterland. It contains bird watching sites of world significance, including Kooragang Nature Reserve, which is a registered Ramsar site.

Formed in 1976, the Hunter Bird Observers Club (HBOC) is the largest club in the Hunter Region that caters specifically for those with an interest in bird life in its natural habitat.

With about 270 members, the club encompasses people of all ages and levels of experience. It is a very active club with a full calendar of events, a bimonthly newsletter, and interests in research and conservation. The club publishes an Annual Bird Report that is a comprehensive document of scientific importance. The club has also published several Birding Route brochures for  Newcastle Wetlands, Newcastle City, Newcastle Coastline, Ash Island, Westlakes and Eastlakes. To review these brochures click here.  The Whistler is an occasional publication of the Hunter Bird Observers Club, recording results and analysis of bird surveys and observations undertaken in the Hunter Region.  Copies can be downloaded from the Publications page.

Bird watching requires minimal equipment, gets you outdoors, encourages you to see more of the country and provides opportunities for research and socialization.

If, after exploring our web site, you think you might like to join the club, why not come along to one of our club nights or field trips where you will be made very welcome. There is no obligation to join, so come along and check us out!