In spite of this, the original inhabitants of the island, some of whom are permanent and some transitory during their migratory cycle, provide for an interesting study. Over the years many officers have become fascinated by the bird life and some have catalogued them.

It seems the most common regulars are mutton birds, sooty terns and noddy terns. Several species of gannets migrate through the Island including masked, brown and red-legged, and also the lesser frigate bird. Crested terns are also seen to migrate. Single or limited sightings of many other birds have been made over the years. For a fuller listing the reader is referred to either Mark Wilgar's booklet, based on his stay on Willis Island in 1993–94, or to the notes on Willis Island prepared by John Butler, based on his stay in 1966–67. John's notes also include a section on the other original inhabitants—the fish and sea creatures which frequent the waters surrounding the Island.

This life-size mural, drawn on a bedroom wall at Willis Island prior to 1927, is certainly not one of the original inhabitants. Although many early visitors may have arrived on Willis Island with dreams of being Robinson Crusoe, clearly, at least one had other dreams. (Photograph courtesy of Eric Riethmuller)

The ever present terns on Willis Island

Bureau of Meteorology