New Species Spotted Amidst Lake Hindmarsh’s Drying Water Levels

Lake Hindmarsh March 2025 Bird Survey

*Lake Hindmarsh water level is now so low that the shoreline at survey sites is dry*

Date: 12 March 2025

Overview

The lake’s water level has significantly dropped, leaving the shoreline at several survey sites completely dry. The declining water levels coincide with the reduced wetland birds observed.

Water Levels and Vegetation

The rapid decline in water levels at Lake Hindmarsh has led to a significant reduction in wetland bird numbers. The Jeparit Weirpool and lower section of the Wimmera River are now the primary refuges for these birds.

The lake level has dropped so significantly that the shorelines at survey Sites 2, 4, 5, and 6 are now completely dry. Samphire plants have begun to spread across the exposed lake bed.

Bird Populations

The survey results show a continued decline in wetland bird numbers, with only 700 birds of 13 different species recorded. This is a significant drop from the January 2025 total of 13,617 birds. Most of the birds were observed in the Wimmera River, which is now serving as a refuge from the drying lake.

Key Observations

Site 4R: The majority of birds were seen here. A Swamp Harrier disturbed a flock of ducks, which eventually settled back for counting.
New Species: A single Red-kneed Dotterel was observed, marking a new species for this survey period.
Dusky Moorhens: Three Dusky Moorhens were seen at Site 3, the first time this species has been recorded during the current survey period.

A roost of Grey Teal on the edge of the Wimmera River

Aust Wood Duck and Grey Teal roosting on a log near the Jeparit bridge

Summary Table

Species	Site 2	Site 3	Site 4	Site 4R	Site 5	Site 6	TOTAL	Extra Site
Australasian Coot								6
Australian Shelduck				6			6	8
Australian Wood Duck				80			80	11
Black-tailed Nativehen				14			14
Dusky Moorhen		3					3
Great Cormorant								1
Great Egret								1
Grey Teal				560			560	36
Hoary-headed Grebe				1			1
Masked Lapwing				4			4	2
Pacific Black Duck		1		20			21	18
Purple Swamphen		2		3			5	4
Red-kneed Dotterel				1			1
White-faced Heron				1			1	1
Australian Reed-Warbler				3			3
Little Grassbird				1			1
TOTAL:	0	6	0	694	0	0	700	88

Conclusion

The March 2025 surveys at Lake Hindmarsh highlight the critical impact of the drying lake on wetland bird populations. With water levels dropping rapidly, the Wimmera River has become a vital refuge for these birds. The significant decline in bird numbers, from 13,617 in January to just 700 in March, highlights the dramatic changes of the declining water levels.

Despite the challenges, the discovery of a new species, the Red-kneed Dotterel, brings a glimmer of hope and excitement to the survey period. This finding, along with the first-time recording of Dusky Moorhens, adds valuable data to our understanding of the region’s biodiversity.

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