Lake Hindmarsh June 2025 Bird Survey

Date: 11 June 2025

Overview

The lake itself remained dry, with no visible water at any shoreline sites. However, the Wimmera River, particularly below the Jeparit weir and at a bend near the bridge west of Jeparit, continued to support small numbers of wetland birds. A notable observation was two Australian Shelduck foraging near a rain-filled pool at Site 4, hinting at the lake’s potential to support birdlife if water returns.

Bird Populations

Despite the declining water levels, a total of 287 birds across 6 species were recorded on the lake sites only, but including the extra river site a total of 378 birds across 12 species were recorded.

Survey Highlights

• Most abundant species:
  • Grey Teal – 245 at lake sites, 45 at the extra site
• Other notable species:
  • Pacific Black Duck – 41 total
  • Purple Swamphen – 22 total
  • Australian Shelduck – 2 at lake site
  • Australian Darter, Great Cormorant, Pied Cormorant – seen only at the extra site
• Species diversity:
  • Low overall, with only four duck species and no shorebirds observed.

Summary Table

SITE	2	3	4	4R	5	6	TOTAL	Extra
Australasian Coot							0	10
Australian Darter							0	2
Australian Shelduck			2				2
Australian Wood Duck							0	5
Dusky Moorhen				1			1
Great Cormorant							0	2
Grey Teal		45		200			245	45
Hoary-headed Grebe		1					1
Little Black Cormorant							0	1
Pacific Black Duck		6		12			18	23
Pied Cormorant							0	1
Purple Swamphen		3		17			20	2
TOTAL:	0	55	2	230	0	0	287	91

Conclusion

The survey results continue to reflect the dry conditions at Lake Hindmarsh, with the Wimmera River remaining the primary habitat for wetland birds. The presence of birds at a small rain-filled pool suggests that the lake could quickly become a viable habitat again with sufficient rainfall.

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