A Living Sanctuary Within the Course
Northbridge Golf Course, the surrounding bush and the adjoining waters are home to almost 100 species of birds. Some of these are the typical open country birds you’d expect to see in any park or garden. Others are bushland specialists and waterbirds that occur anywhere in the inner harbour.
The most special birds are those that depend on the four freshwater ponds the Club built to irrigate the fairways without using the public water supply. Many of these birds are easily found on the course or the surrounding trails, adding to the enjoyment of golfers and the public alike.
All photographs in this gallery were taken on and around the course by Mike Kilburn. Local birders have documented species found nowhere else in the Willoughby region, and there remains every indication that this exceptional record will continue to grow. We look forward to sharing more with you via the Northbridge Golf Club social media pages.
Meet the Birds
Hardhead
First found in 2023, the golf course ponds are the only place this handsome chestnut duck has been found in Willoughby.
White - faced Heron
Often seen stalking the fairways and the edges of the ponds and, less often, fluffed up like this one after a quick wash.
Australian Wood Duck
Every year several pairs raise between two and twelve youngsters in hollow trees in the bush around the course.
Laughing Kookaburra
Several pairs nest around the course and are regularly seen perched watchfully or diving into the grass to dig out worms and mole crickets with their powerful bills.
Little Wattlebirds
Noisily defend the banksias around the largest pond and above the 18th fairway against all comers.
Sulphur-crested Cockatoos
Roost in large noisy groups in the bushland above Wreck Bay, and feed on seed pods around the whole course.
Long-billed Corella
The dagger-like bill and blood-red chest markings make this gentle parrotlook like Dracula’s bridesmaids as they forage for grass roots on the 13th and 14th fairways.
Powerful Owl
The scar across the face of this youngster was likely inflicted by the resident pair defending their territory.
Red-browed Firetail
This beautiful finch, which looks like it’s nicked its mum’s lipstick, can be found anywhere in the contiguous bushland between the golf course and Flat Rock Gully.
Pacific Baza
This wonderfully heraldic raptor is a specialist predator of katydids and mantises breeds nearby, and posed beautifully right next to the 7th tee.
Australian Reed Warbler
The first ever record for the Lower North Shore, spent two weeks in the small reed bed in the pond next to the 2nd tee.
Little Grassbird
Another wet land-dependant first record, this individual was found by a birder looking for the Australian Reed Warbler.
White-bellied Cuckooshrike
Rare throughout Sydney and never before recorded in Willoughby, this dark-phase individual spent ten days flycatching from the bush along the tenth fairway.
Baillon ’ s Crake
This tiny sparrow-sized marsh bird–another Willoughby first-appeared on the largest pond before being re-found on the lower pond where it foraged on the floating vegetation.
Brown Honeyeater
This understated but elegant honeyeater appeared in the bush above the 18th fairway was another first record for Willoughby in May 2026.