Day 21, Sydney to Moree
Date:ÌýMonday November 7th 2022
Project:ÌýEastern Australian Waterbird Survey
Observers:ÌýJohn Porter & Shannon Dundas
Pilot:ÌýAlex 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.ÌýÌý
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.