An exceptional combination of wet conditions plus careful use of water for the environment has created optimal circumstances for waterbird breeding across the Murray-Darling Basin in 2021–22 and continuing into 2023.
Scientists conducting monitoring, evaluation and research for the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office are delighted to witness the most wide-spread waterbird breeding in over 20 years. Waterbirds are nesting and raising chicks at various wetlands across the Basin, including internationally significant Ramsar sites.
It has been encouraging to identify a wide array of waterbird species taking up nesting at Narran Lakes, Macquarie Marshes, Lachlan River, Lower Murrumbidgee, Murrumbidgee and Barmah-Millewa Forest. Waterbird populations include the three ibis species (Straw-necked, Glossy and Australian white) as well as Egrets, Herons, Cormorants and Pelicans. Scientists also monitor non-colonial water birds including Magpie geese, Brolgas and Duck and Waterhen species.
For further information on one waterbird species doing well see The Pelican Brief story.
How water for the environment helps
Waterbirds use a variety of ways to nest in wetlands, including nesting in trees in or near water, or trampling vegetation to create a platform for nests.
Water for the environment can be crucial for “topping up” wetlands, especially if water levels drop too quickly while birds are breeding. With water surrounding nesting colonies at the right level, eggs and baby birds are safe from predators and parent birds have easy access to fish and other food.
The CEWO Monitoring, Evaluation and Research program (Flow-MER)) has years of evidence-based data to help inform the delivery of water for the environment to the right place at the right time.
See how the CEWO is making a difference with water for the environment.
Rebuilding waterbird populations
While the current waterbird breeding events are encouraging, annual aerial surveys of waterbird breeding for the last 35 years have shown significant decline in numbers for all species.
The CEWO is working with its stakeholders and water delivery partners to maximise waterbird breeding and help to build bird populations. This will take time as each year’s waterbird chicks grow and mature and themselves become breeding age for the next generation.
To ensure water for the environment is delivering outcomes, the CEWO’s Flow-MER program plays an integral part in robust analysis of water for the environment efforts. The program delivers comprehensive data on the impact of water for the environment for a range of species including waterbirds, frogs, fish and other animals and vegetation. More information about waterbirds is here: Basin Theme: Biodiversity.
Working with others
The CEWO works with a range of partners to ensure water for the environment is delivered where and when it is needed across the Basin.
Invaluable local knowledge, resources and skill come from State Governments, universities, First Nations peoples, local landholders, various Environmental Water Advisory Groups and water managers.
Spreading the word about protecting basin birdlife
The CEWO is highlighting waterbird breeding throughout Basin communities in a number of ways.
In 2022 bird enthusiast Nathan Finger produced an informative and very entertaining podcast about waterbird breeding. Have a listen at:
The CEWO’s Local Engagement Officers spend time in wetlands and rivers across the Basin and work closely with scientists around the monitoring of waterbird populations. These staff are proactive in promoting waterbird breeding events via local media outlets as well as explaining waterbird behaviour at local stakeholder meetings and forums. To find a Local Engagement Officer in your region go to: Local engagement
In 2023 the CEWO will continue to spread the word about protecting Australia’s unique wetland birdlife.
To keep up with the latest news go to CEWO social media: