Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences Centre for Ecosystem Science

Day 21, Sydney to Moree

John Porter profile portrait John Porter
Map of part of eastern NSW with a line showing a flight path

Date: Monday November 7th 2022

Project: Eastern Australian Waterbird Survey

Observers: John Porter & Shannon Dundas

Pilot: Alex Katopodis

Heading north west out of Sydney our first objective for the day is the Gwydir wetlands near Moree, which include several internationally significant Ramsar wetlands.  

This system is fed by three rivers (Gingham, Gwydir & Meehi) which are currently experiencing extensive flooding. We found low numbers of waterbirds with moderate diversity – Magpie Geese, Plumed Whistle Ducks, Grey Teal, Wood Ducks and Black Duck together with herons, egrets, spoonbills, Straw-necked Ibis, Glossy Ibis and White Ibis.

Then we flew over some of the waterbird colony sites and were rewarded with exciting views of several large (>5,000 nests) colonies of Straw-necked Ibis and White Ibis as well as spoonbills and herons breeding.