Lake Hindmarsh 2024-25 Bird Surveys

Read the full report Lake Hindmarsh Bird Surveys 2024-25 Review

Victoria’s largest lake has shown its value as a vital refuge for wetland birds. Over 12 months of monitoring (July 2024 – June 2025), surveys have recorded 45 wetland bird species across sites on the southern shore and Wimmera River — revealing dramatic shifts in bird populations as water levels changed.

From Lake to River: A Changing Landscape

As Lake Hindmarsh steadily dried out, birds followed the water. By early 2025, shoreline sites were no longer viable for surveys, and the Wimmera River became a critical refuge, supporting thousands of birds when the lake could not.

Waterfowl Take the Lead?

• Grey Teal dominated the counts, peaking at 12,500 birds in January 2025.
• Australasian Shoveler, Freckled Duck, and Blue-billed Duck — all listed as threatened — were recorded in notable numbers.
• Waterfowl made up 90% or more of monthly totals, with a high of 13,617 birds in January.

Fish-Eaters & Pelican Parties

• Australian Pelicans were abundant early in the season, with thousands roosting beyond survey zones.
• Great Cormorants and Pied Cormorants were also present, though numbers declined as water receded.

Shorebirds on the Move

• Migratory species like Red-necked Stints, Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, and a rare Eastern Golden Plover used the lake as a stopover.
• Resident species such as Masked Lapwings and Red-capped Plovers were frequently observed.
• The drying lake created ideal mudflat habitat, attracting shorebirds until water receded too far.

Other Highlights

• Whiskered Terns arrived in spring, feeding on insects and fish.
• Great Egrets, a threatened species, were seen at both lake and river sites.
• Australian Reed Warblers and frogs like Common Froglets and Pobblebonks were heard at river sites, indicating healthy riparian zone.

Why It Matters

Lake Hindmarsh:

• Supports high bird diversity and large populations when water is present.
• Provides habitat for threatened and migratory species listed under international agreements (JAMBA, CAMBA, ROKAMBA).
• Acts as a regional drought refuge, especially the lower Wimmera River.

Conclusion

As a dynamic inland wetland, Lake Hindmarsh’s value shifts with the seasons. Continued monitoring ensures we understand and protect this vital ecosystem — for birds, biodiversity, and future generations.