Bicentennial Waterbird Habitat

Bicentennial Waterbird Habitat

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Posted 2020-06-03 by Rachel Timminsfollow


The is an important sanctuary for many species of birds and reptiles. The beautiful lakes are designed to mimic natural wetlands. There are three shallow lakes and one lagoon. Feeding, roosting and nesting are all catered to in the birds' natural habitat. Grassland, mud-banks, reeds and islands make up some of the natural formations of the park. The lakes never run dry as they are spring-fed.



The wildlife viewing observatory minimises human impact as you spy out the purple swamphens. The swamphen looks bluer to me, but have a sweet disposition unless you disturb their nests, which makes them shriek. The nests are formed by trampling reeds and the surrounding vegetation is used as protection. There was one fluffy youngster visible the day I visited. Swamphens may mate twice a year, with up to twelve birds in one group. They eat the soft shoots of reeds, frogs, snails and other small animals.





Feeding the birds from the boardwalk, you can see white geese, maned geese, diver ducks, ibis, purple swamphens, pacific black ducks and mooching Indian Minas. The pacific black duck is common and feeds on the seeds of aquatic plants and insects as well as crustaceans and molluscs which it locates by dabbling, ie plunging its head underwater. During mating season these ducks will perform bobbing, preening and wing-flapping. You may also spot herons or turtles. Wading birds feed around the mud-banks.





Take the children exploring around one of the many bushwalks, or circumnavigate the whole 19 acres. Native trees and plants are an added delight. The has no barbeque facilities but there are picnic tables and on the west end there is a charming, shaded bridge plus an expansive lawn for Frisbee-throwing. If you're simply out for a walk or jog, there is a path crossing the park from MacKenzie to Alderley Sts, under the lofty eucalypts.



The on East Creek was established in 1988 as part of the Australian Bicentennial Celebrations. Late last century, market gardens were planted along the creek. A well was added by the Chinese market gardeners and is located near the middle lake.

Bring a picnic lunch and wear a hat. No pets, please. Ample parking. In the quiet suburb of Rangeville, the is ideal for family fun in the winter sun.



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96454 - 2023-06-12 02:43:51

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