Lake Hindmarsh Falls Silent as River Hosts Last Wetland Birds in May Survey
Lake Hindmarsh May 2025 Bird Survey
Date: 14 May 2025
Overview
The May 2025 bird surveys at Lake Hindmarsh found no visible water from any of the shoreline sites and a correlating absence of birds. As in previous surveys, the Wimmera River below the Jeparit Weir remains the only refuge for wetland birds in the region.
Despite the dry conditions, surveys recorded 377 wetland birds across 14 species, almost all at the two river sites.
Lake Still Dry, River Remains a Lifeline
The total count of 377 birds marks a significant increase from April’s survey. However, this spike is likely due to the chance presence of ducks roosting and swimming at the river site during the survey. It was noted that the birds were extremely flighty, taking off en masse during the approach.
Australian Reed-Warblers, heard during the April survey, were absent in May—consistent with their known migratory behavior, as they typically move north in autumn.
Survey Highlights
- Grey Teal were the most abundant species, with 200 individuals observed at Site 4R.
- Other notable sightings included Australian Shelduck (24), Pacific Black Duck (58), and Australian Wood Duck (61).
- Less common species such as Yellow-billed Spoonbill, Great Egret, and Hoary-headed Grebe were also recorded in small numbers.
- No birds were observed at the lake shoreline sites, underscoring the severity of the dry conditions.
Summary Table
| SITE | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4R | 5 | 6 | TOTAL | Extra Site along river |
| Australasian Coot | 3 | 3 | 5 | |||||
| Australian Pelican | 0 | 1 | ||||||
| Australian Shelduck | 24 | 24 | ||||||
| Australian Wood Duck | 0 | 61 | ||||||
| Dusky Moorhen | 0 | 1 | ||||||
| Great Cormorant | 0 | 6 | ||||||
| Great Egret | 1 | 1 | 1 | |||||
| Grey Teal | 200 | 200 | ||||||
| Hoary-headed Grebe | 2 | 2 | 2 | |||||
| Masked Lapwing | 4 | 4 | 2 | |||||
| Pacific Black Duck | 50 | 50 | 8 | |||||
| Purple Swamphen | 1 | 2 | 3 | |||||
| Yellow-billed Spoonbill | 1 | 1 | ||||||
| White Ibis | 2 | 2 | ||||||
| TOTAL: | 0 | 1 | 0 | 289 | 0 | 0 | 290 | 87 |
Conclusion
The May 2025 survey reinforces the critical role of the Wimmera River as a drought refuge for wetland birds. With Lake Hindmarsh remaining dry, the river continues to support the region’s remaining birdlife, highlighting the importance of preserving these vital water sources during extended dry periods.
**Strict hygiene measures are in place to prevent contamination**
