Dock Lake September 2025 Bird Survey

Date: 19 September 2025

A Wetland Awakens

Spring is stirring at Dock Lake. Though water levels remain low, the September survey revealed a vibrant wetland scene, with 664 birds recorded across 15 species—a dramatic rise from August’s 225 birds. The lake’s changing conditions continue to shape the birdlife, offering rich habitat for both resident and migratory species.

Birdlife Highlights

• A Curlew Sandpiper, critically endangered in Australia, was spotted feeding among the stints—a rare and significant sighting.
• Red-necked Stints, migratory shorebirds from the northern hemisphere, increased to 47 individuals, up from 11 in August.
• Sharp-tailed Sandpipers (3 individuals) were also seen, indicating migratory movement through southern Australia.
• Grey Teal surged in numbers, with 478 individuals, making up over two-thirds of the total count.
• Red-capped Plovers remained the most numerous resident shorebird, with 63 individuals, though slightly down from August.
• Black-winged Stilts returned in force (46 individuals) after being absent in August.
• Common Froglets were again heard calling at Site 1, thriving in damp vegetation despite the lack of surface water

Species Diversity

September’s survey recorded 15 wetland bird species, up from 10 in August. This includes:

• Resident Shorebirds: Red-capped Plover, Black-fronted Dotterel, Red-kneed Dotterel, Masked Lapwing, Black-winged Stilt, Red-necked Avocet.
• Migratory Shorebirds: Red-necked Stint, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper.
• Waterbirds: Grey Teal, Pacific Black Duck, Australian Shelduck, Australian Pelican, Silver Gull, Yellow-billed Spoonbill.

Summary Table

SITE	1	2	3	4	5	6	Total
Australian Pelican				1			1
Australian Shelduck				3			3
Black-fronted Dotterel						1	1
Black-winged Stilt						46	46
Curlew Sandpiper						1	1
Grey Teal				478			478
Masked Lapwing				4		3	7
Pacific Black Duck				1	2		3
Red-capped Plover						63	63
Red-kneed Dotterel					2		2
Red-necked Avocet				1			1
Red-necked Stint						47	47
Silver Gull				3		1	4
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper						3	3
Yellow-billed Spoonbill				4			4
Common Froglet	Y
TOTAL				495	4	165	664

Conclusion

The presence of four migratory shorebird species—including the critically endangered Curlew Sandpiper—highlights Dock Lake’s importance as a stopover for international bird migration. Inland wetlands like Dock Lake play a vital role in supporting biodiversity, even in dry conditions.

Common Froglets were again heard calling from vegetation at Site 1. Although no surface water was present at the site, recent rains must have created damp areas and a flush of green growth of grass and rushes which has proved favourable to frogs.

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