Home > Marine Hub > Marine Wildlife > Fish Species of Jurien Bay
Seabirds
of Jurien Bay
────────────
The skies above the Jurien Bay Marine Park are just as full of life as the waters below. From soaring White-bellied Sea Eagles and nesting Ospreys to diving terns, pelicans and cormorants, Jurien Bay is home to an incredible variety of seabirds that rely on its islands, reefs and coastline. Discover the birds you're most likely to see and the important role they play in this unique marine ecosystem.
Based on over six decades of experience exploring the wildlife of the Jurien Bay Marine Park.
Local knowledge. Real experience. Trusted information.
1 . Why is Jurien Bay a Safe Haven for Seabirds?
────
The Jurien Bay Marine Park is not only home to an incredible diversity of marine life beneath the surface, but also supports one of Western Australia's richest coastal bird communities. Every day, seabirds soar above the islands, circle over the reefs and dive into the turquoise waters, relying on this productive marine environment for food, shelter and breeding.
What makes Jurien Bay so special is the combination of offshore islands, limestone reefs, sheltered bays and abundant fish populations. Together, these habitats provide ideal nesting sites and reliable feeding grounds for a wide variety of seabirds throughout the year.
From majestic birds of prey scanning the coastline from above to terns diving spectacularly into schools of baitfish, every species plays an important role within the Marine Park. Their presence is more than just a beautiful sight—it is a sign of a healthy and thriving marine ecosystem.
Whether you're exploring the islands by boat or watching from the shoreline, seabirds are among the most constant companions you'll encounter while experiencing Jurien Bay's remarkable coastal environment.
2 . Meet the Seabirds of Jurien Bay
────
The skies above the Jurien Bay Marine Park are home to an incredible variety of seabirds, each perfectly adapted to life along the coast.
Perhaps the most recognisable is the Osprey, an extraordinary fish-eating bird of prey often seen hovering above the water before diving feet-first to catch its next meal. Alongside them, the powerful White-bellied Sea Eagle patrols the coastline with effortless grace, using its impressive wingspan to soar above the islands and reefs in search of fish and other prey.
Closer to the water, Pied Cormorants spend much of their day diving beneath the surface before returning to rocks and jetties to dry their outstretched wings in the sun. Australian Pelicans drift calmly across sheltered bays before gathering around productive fishing grounds, while flocks of Crested Terns wheel overhead, diving with incredible precision into schools of baitfish below.
Although each species behaves differently, they all rely on the same healthy marine environment. The abundance of fish, protected islands and productive coastal waters found throughout the Jurien Bay Marine Park allows these birds to thrive, making them an unforgettable part of every visit.
3 . Our Love for Jurien Bay Seabirds
────
Spending so much time on the water has given us a deep appreciation for the seabirds that call the Jurien Bay Marine Park home. While many visitors come hoping to see dolphins or Australian Sea Lions, the birds are often the first wildlife to greet us each morning and the last to disappear beyond the horizon at the end of the day.
Over the years, we've come to know many of the Osprey nests scattered throughout the islands of the Marine Park. Watching the same nesting platforms season after season has given us the privilege of seeing breeding pairs return year after year, raising new chicks before they eventually leave the nest and begin lives of their own.
Ospreys are remarkable birds. They typically form long-term pair bonds and often return to the same nest year after year, continually adding sticks and strengthening the structure with each breeding season. Some nests become enormous over time, standing as lasting reminders of generations of birds that have successfully raised their young in the safety of the Marine Park.
We also regularly watch White-bellied Sea Eagles soaring effortlessly above the coastline, pelicans gathering where fish are plentiful and terns diving spectacularly into bait balls that suddenly erupt at the water's surface. These moments remind us that every part of the Marine Park is connected. The birds are constantly reading the ocean, often revealing where marine life is most active long before we see it ourselves.
For us, the seabirds of Jurien Bay are much more than wildlife. They are part of the rhythm of life on the water and one of the reasons every day exploring the Marine Park feels different from the last.
4 . Why Seabirds Matter
────
Seabirds are among the most important indicators of a healthy marine environment. Because they depend on productive oceans for food and suitable coastal habitats for breeding, their presence provides valuable insight into the overall health of the Jurien Bay Marine Park.
Many seabirds feed almost exclusively on fish, linking the marine environment with the islands and coastline where they rest and nest. Their hunting behaviour often reflects the movement of baitfish and other marine life, making them an important part of the wider food web.
Protecting seabirds also means protecting the habitats they depend on. Healthy reefs, abundant fish populations and undisturbed nesting islands all contribute to successful breeding and the long-term survival of these remarkable birds.
As visitors, one of the simplest ways we can help is by observing seabirds respectfully, keeping a safe distance from nesting sites and allowing them to continue raising their young without disturbance. By protecting these birds today, we help ensure future generations can continue to experience one of Jurien Bay's most spectacular natural treasures.
Current Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Update
Avian influenza (bird flu) continues to be monitored across Australia because of its potential impact on wild bird populations.
At Jurien Bay Oceanic Experience, we work closely with current wildlife advice and remain committed to protecting the seabirds that call the Jurien Bay Marine Park home.
More information and insights from our marine biologist will be added here soon as monitoring and research continue.
-
The Jurien Bay Marine Park is home to a wide variety of seabirds throughout the year. Visitors commonly encounter Ospreys, White-bellied Sea Eagles, Pied Cormorants, Australian Pelicans and Crested Terns, along with many other coastal bird species that rely on the islands, reefs and productive fishing grounds of the Marine Park.
-
Ospreys are regularly seen throughout the Jurien Bay Marine Park, particularly around the offshore islands where they build large stick nests on elevated structures and natural vantage points. They are often observed soaring above the coastline or hovering before diving feet-first into the water to catch fish.
-
Ospreys are well known for forming long-term breeding pairs. They often return to the same nesting site year after year, adding new sticks and strengthening the nest each breeding season. Watching these returning pairs is one of the many highlights of spending time on the waters of the Jurien Bay Marine Park.
-
Although both are impressive birds of prey, they have different hunting styles and appearances. Ospreys specialise almost entirely in catching fish and are recognised by their distinctive hovering behaviour before diving into the water. White-bellied Sea Eagles are much larger and have a broader diet, feeding on fish, seabirds and other marine animals while soaring high above the coastline.
-
Seabirds can be seen throughout the year, but activity is often greatest during calm mornings when birds are actively feeding along the reefs, islands and sheltered bays. Breeding seasons also provide opportunities to observe nesting behaviour, particularly among Ospreys and other resident seabirds.
-
Avian influenza (bird flu) is an important issue being monitored across Australia because of its potential impact on wild bird populations. Scientists and wildlife agencies continue to monitor seabird health, migration and disease risks. As new information becomes available, our marine biologist will provide updates relevant to the seabirds of the Jurien Bay Marine Park.
-
Avian influenza (bird flu) primarily affects birds, particularly wild seabirds and waterbirds. While there have been overseas reports of some marine mammals becoming infected after close contact with infected birds, the risk depends on the strain of the virus and local circumstances.
Australian wildlife and biosecurity authorities continue to closely monitor avian influenza and any potential impacts on native wildlife, including marine mammals. At Jurien Bay Oceanic Experience, we follow current advice from wildlife agencies and remain committed to protecting the health of the Australian Sea Lions, seabirds and other marine life that call the Jurien Bay Marine Park home.
Our marine biologist is currently preparing a dedicated update on avian influenza and what it means for Jurien Bay's wildlife, which will be added to the Marine Hub soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
EXPLORE THE JURIEN BAY MARINE PARK WITH CONFIDENCE
The Jurien Bay Marine Park is one of Western Australia's most spectacular marine environments, home to Australian Sea Lions, Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins, colourful reef fish, graceful rays and a remarkable diversity of marine life. Sharks are simply one part of this healthy ecosystem, playing an important role in maintaining the balance of life beneath the surface.
At Jurien Bay Oceanic Experience, we've spent decades exploring these waters and sharing them with thousands of guests. Our experienced local crew combines extensive knowledge of the Marine Park with carefully developed operating procedures, allowing visitors to experience Jurien Bay's incredible wildlife safely, responsibly and with confidence.
Join us on the water and discover the extraordinary marine life of the Jurien Bay Marine Park for yourself.
Continue Exploring Our Marine Wildlife Guides
@jurienbayoceanic
