Dock Lake March 2025 Bird Survey

Date: 19 March 2025

Overview

The survey revealed significant changes in water levels and bird populations, with notable observations and trends.

Water Levels and Vegetation

Water levels in Dock Lake continue to drop, exposing more sandbanks and lake bed, especially on the western side. Vegetation, particularly Chenopodium species, is increasingly covering the exposed shore.

Bird Populations

Most birds were observed at the northern end of the lake, particularly from Sites 2 and 6. The shallow wetlands at Sites 1 and 3 remain dry, with birds recorded along the southern edge at Site 3.

Key Observations:

• Australian Shelduck: A significant increase to over 500 birds, up from 90 in February.
• Grey Teal: A sharp decline, contributing to an overall drop of nearly 2,000 birds since February.
• Bar-tailed Godwit: A rare sighting! This migratory shorebird, typically found in coastal intertidal mudflats.
• Red-capped Plover: First recorded sighting at Dock Lake, seen at Site 6!

Summary Table

Species	Site 1	Site 2	Site 3	Site 4	Site 5	Site 6	Total
Australian Pelican				8			8
Australian Shelduck		52		132		337	521
Australian Wood Duck				6			6
Bar-tailed Godwit				1			1
Black Swan						2	2
Black-fronted Dotterel		2			2		4
Grey Teal				20		27	47
Hoary-headed Grebe		3					3
Masked Lapwing		6	4	2		10	22
Pacific Black Duck		2		5		1	8
Pink-eared Duck				2		32	34
Red-capped Plover						1	1
Red-kneed Dotterel					1		1
Silver Gull				6		3	9
White-faced Heron						2	2
White-necked Heron						1	1
Yellow-billed Spoonbill		24				6	30
*Brown Quail		1		1			2
TOTAL	0	90	4	183	3	422	702

* Brown Quail were heard calling at two sites

Conclusion

The March 2025 survey highlights significant changes in bird populations at Dock Lake, with a notable decline in ducks, likely due to the opening of duck hunting season. Despite this, species diversity remains high, with 18 different species recorded.

**Strict hygiene measures are in place to prevent contamination**