Birds are flocking to Lake Hindmarsh to take advantage of favourable habitat conditions.

As well as high numbers of fish-eating birds, such as cormorants and pelicans, a large number of ducks have descended on the lake. The birds are roosting on the edge and feeding off the large number of carp and invertebrates in the lake.

Wimmera bird expert Jonathan Starks visited Lake Hindmarsh last month (February) while undertaking bird surveys for Wimmera CMA. 

He observed over 10,000 great cormorants and 10,000 Australian Shelducks on the edge, as well as over 500 Australian pelicans in one area on the southern shore. He estimates that between 50,000 and 60,000 birds may be at the lake. 

Locals have reported seeing the pelicans ‘herd’ carp into areas for a feeding frenzy to occur.

“It is amazing to see so many birds at Lake Hindmarsh, and is a testimony to how favourable conditions are there at the moment,” Mr Starks said.

The lake received high natural flows in 2022 and reached an estimated 70% capacity. The lake’s capacity is now 40% and receding. 

Wimmera CMA took a drone up to the lake, and you can watch the full video on our YouTube channel.