Lake Hindmarsh February 2025 Bird Survey

Date: 12 February 2025

Nature’s Resilience at Lake Hindmarsh

In February, the once-thriving Lake Hindmarsh witnessed a dramatic shift in its avian population. As the lake’s water levels plummeted, the wetland birds sought refuge in the nearby Wimmera River. This survey uncovers the fascinating journey of these birds and the surprising discoveries made along the way.

The Drying Lake

The shoreline at several key sites at Lake Hindmarsh are now completely dry. The only wetland bird spotted at these sites was a solitary Red-capped Plover, a stark contrast to the bustling birdlife of previous months. In the distance, pelicans could be seen, but they were too far away to count.

A New Refuge

With the lake drying up, the Wimmera River became a sanctuary for the displaced birds. Surveys became more focused on two river sites, where a significant number of wetland birds were observed. Additionally, a large congregation of birds was found on a bend in the river near Jeparit, adding to the survey’s findings and are noted in the table below as Extra Site.

Survey Results

The survey recorded a total of 2,090 wetland birds across 14 different species, a dramatic decline from the 13,617 birds counted in January. The majority of these birds were seen at Site 4R on the Wimmera River, where a massive flock of ducks was disturbed, estimated to be around 2,000 birds. The most numerous species observed were Grey Teal, Australian Wood Duck, Hardhead, and Pacific Black Duck.

Notable Sightings

Among the birds counted, several species stood out:

Summary Table

SITE	2	3	4	4R	5	6	TOTAL	Extra Site
Australasian Coot				7			7	10
Australasian Shoveler				7			7
Australian Pelican				36			36
Australian Wood Duck				100			100	17
Black-tailed Nativehen				9			9
Blue-billed Duck				1			1
Chestnut Teal		1					1	2
Freckled Duck							0	7
Great Cormorant							0	5
Grey Teal		31		1,800			1,831	450
Hardhead		16		5			21	16
Little Black Cormorant							0	1
Pacific Black Duck		15		50			65	8
Pink-eared Duck							0	16
Purple Swamphen				7			7
Red-capped Plover						1	1
White-faced Heron				1			1
Australian Reed-Warbler		2		1			3
TOTAL:	0	65	0	2,024	0	1	2,090	532

Conclusion

The February 2025 survey at Lake Hindmarsh revealed the resilience and adaptability of wetland birds in the face of environmental changes. As the lake dries up, the Wimmera River has become a vital refuge, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and conservation efforts. This survey not only provides valuable data but also tells the compelling story of nature’s response to a changing world.

Due to birds seeking refuge in the lower reaches of the Wimmera River, future surveys will include these locations too.

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