Vanishing Waters, Shifting Wings: June’s Birdlife at Dock Lake
Dock Lake June 2025 Bird Survey
A Red-kneed Dotterel on the eastern shore at Dock Lake
Date: 15 June 2025
Overview
The June 2025 bird survey at Dock Lake was conducted amid continuing declining water levels that have exposed extensive sand banks and rendered the original six survey sites indistinct. Observations were made from the northern and southern shores, corresponding to former Sites 6 and 4, respectively. The changing lake conditions have significantly altered the survey landscape, requiring adjustments in methodology.
Bird Populations
Despite the declining water levels, a total of 306 individuals across 13 species were recorded.
Key Observations:
- Most Numerous Species:
- Grey Teal – 202 individuals
- Red-capped Plover – 25 individuals
- Australian Shelduck – 24 individuals
- Shorebird Diversity:
- 7 species recorded, including Red-necked Avocet and Banded Stilt (first record for this period).
- Notable Absences:
- White-bellied Sea-Eagles and Pelicans were not observed.
- No frogs were heard calling.
- Site Totals:
- Southern half (Site 4): 230 birds
- Northern half (Site 6): 76 birds
A flock of mostly Grey Teal at Dock Lake
Summary Table
| SITE | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | TOTAL |
| Australian Shelduck | 24 | 24 | |||||
| Banded Stilt | 1 | 1 | |||||
| Black-fronted Dotterel | 8 | 8 | |||||
| Black-winged Stilt | 4 | 4 | |||||
| Chestnut Teal | 3 | 3 | |||||
| Great Egret | 1 | 1 | |||||
| Grey Teal | 190 | 12 | 202 | ||||
| Masked Lapwing | 12 | 12 | |||||
| Pink-eared Duck | 8 | 8 | |||||
| Red-capped Plover | 17 | 8 | 25 | ||||
| Red-kneed Dotterel | 4 | 5 | 9 | ||||
| Red-necked Avocet | 7 | 7 | |||||
| Silver Gull | 2 | 2 | |||||
| TOTAL | 230 | 76 | 306 |
Conclusion
The survey highlights the continued decline in wetland bird numbers, with only 306 individuals recorded across 13 species. The departure of the previously abundant Silver Gulls contributed to the lower count, while Grey Teal emerged as the most numerous species.
Despite the overall decrease, shorebird diversity remained unexpectedly high, with seven species observed, including the return of Red-necked Avocets and a first-time sighting of a Banded Stilt for this survey period.
Notably, White-bellied Sea-Eagles and pelicans were absent, and no frog calls were detected at any site.
**Strict hygiene measures are in place to prevent contamination*
