Date: Friday, November 20, 2020
Project: Eastern Australian Waterbird Survey
Observers: John Porter (UNSW/DPIE), Shannon Dundas (DPIE)
Pilot: James Barkell NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service (DPIE)
Our final day of survey arrived with clear skies and good flying conditions – we were 2 weeks later than usual due to complications with interstate travel and permits during COVID restrictions but we made it. Our final survey objective is Hattah Lakes system in Hattah-Kulkyne National Park – a series of interconnected shallow lakes that fill from the Murray River and can support thousands of waterbirds. Regulation of the Murray has significantly reduced flooding of these wetlands and impacted their biota, including waterbirds. Releases of environmental water are being used to restore the wetlands and improve their condition.
On this day almost all the lakes are dry, with the only exception being Lake Kramen which has a moderate number (<500 total birds) of grey teal, coot, hardhead, black duck, black swans and cormorants. Flocks of white corellas scattered from the treetops as we approached. With the final wetland count complete we headed east for the long return leg to Sydney.
Counting over Hattah Lakes
Counting over Hattah Lakes
Counting over Hattah Lakes
Counting over Hattah Lakes
Counting over Hattah Lakes
Counting over Hattah Lakes
Counting over Lake Kramen
Blog by John Porter