Brolgas band together in response to environmental flows
Tuckerbil wetlands, north-west of Leeton, are proving a magnet for waterbird species, including the endangered brolga.
Just a week after water for the environment was delivered to the wetlands, groups of brolgas have been spotted at the site.
The water for the environment delivery was co-ordinated by the NSW Water for the Environment Program in partnership with the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and supported by the Murray Darling Wetlands Working Group.
Nature photographer and wildlife ecologist Chris Tzaros counted 30 brolgas wading in Tuckerbil Swamp during a recent visit. Tuckerbil Swamp is a shallow, Ramsar-listed seasonal wetland known for its diversity of waterbirds. Ramsar wetlands are internationally significant.
'It was such a joy to see the brolgas, and so many of them.' said Mr Tzaros.
'I spent the entire day photographing birdlife out in Tuckerbil and it was really cold out there, but then I saw the brolgas and I was so delighted!’
'That number of brolgas could be described as a flocking event – where birds gather in large numbers.'
NSW Water for the Environment program manages environmental flows to Tuckerbil wetlands, supporting wildlife including many threatened species like the brolgas.
Murrumbidgee Senior Environmental Water Manager James Maguire said the importance of water for the environment can’t be denied.
'The arrival of the brolgas just shows the importance of water for the environment in the landscape' Mr Maguire said.
'The water is released and only a week later there are 30 brolgas visiting the site.'
'As well as the current significance of the wetlands for the brolgas and other endangered species, water for the environment offers longer term benefits.'
'It’s habitat for the next 6 months. As it slowly dries out a succession of different species will use the site for feeding and breeding.'
'We are hopeful it may be visited by the endangered Australian painted snipe in spring as it becomes shallow mudflat habitat, which supports other species like snipe, sandpipers, stilts and avocets.'
To learn more about the management of water for the environment in the Murrumbidgee region, go to Annual environmental water priorities.
