Retirees, empty-nesters flock to WA's historic Eyre Bird Observatory as volunteer caretakers

When Steve Edwards retired at the end of 2018, he was not going to "put on slippers and read the paper every morning."

Seeking a new challenge, the former social worker and his wife Mandy registered to become volunteer caretakers of a bird observatory in Western Australia's isolated south-east. 

Wedged between the Nullarbor Plain and Great Australian Bight, about 1,000 kilometres east of Perth, the Eyre Bird Observatory is home to more than 200 avian species, some of which are rare and endangered.

Every year it attracts avid birdwatchers, photographers and naturalists from across Australia and the world, relying on volunteer caretakers to stay operational.

"It's hard work, but very rewarding as well," Mr Edwards said.

Caretaker stints typically last between two and three months.

Over the past five years, Mr and Mrs Edwards have returned on several occasions. 

So what does it take to operate the oldest and most isolated bird observatory in the country?

Far from a holiday 

Established in 1977, the Eyre Bird Observatory is leased to BirdLife Australia through the WA Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.

It welcomes guests all year round.

The long list of caretaker duties includes cooking, daily weather reporting to the Bureau of Meteorology, managing bookings and maintaining the historic limestone building — formerly the Eyre Telegraph Station.

Earlier this year, the facility was closed to guests after record-breaking rain damaged the access road.

Mr Edwards, who was on caretaker duty at the time, said the observatory received 340 millimetres of rain over four days. 

He urged would-be caretakers to understand that they won't be there for a holiday. 

"It is remote. Once you're there, you're on your own," he said.

For the current caretakers, the experience has been two decades in the making.

'Wild, special place'

Kim and Tony Pammer "fell in love" with the Eyre Bird Observatory when they visited about 20 years ago.

With their children now finished school, the regional Victorians saw it as an ideal opportunity to return.

They have been in the caretaker role since May, with their "shift" set to finish later this month. 

"It's the whole feeling of being immersed in this incredible environment and the remoteness of it," Ms Pammer said.

She said the ability to problem solve was crucial for any would-be caretakers.

"You do need to have a bit of initiative," she said.

"We're completely off-grid here."

Much of the observatory's appeal to birdwatchers stems from its proximity to both the desert and the sea.

"There's other bird sanctuaries in Australia, which may just be inland, and you don't get that mix," Ms Pammer said.

"And really, there's not a lot of predators."

So far, the pink cockatoos have captured her heart.

"I just call them 'my girls' — they come in every morning and every evening," she said.

"They're just amazing."

Mr Edwards is now a member of the Perth-based Eyre Bird Observatory Committee.

He said caretakers are being sought for roles from October through to February next year.

"It's always difficult getting people over the Christmas period, because people like being home," he said.