Bird Watching is observing wild birds in their natural habitat. Identifying the birds and understanding what they are doing.
The Kerang Wetlands Ramsar Listed Site is located on the western edge of the Riverine Plain, 300kms NW of Melbourne.
It forms part of a system of over 100 permanent and freshwater wetlands compromised of freshwater lagoons, lakes and marshes and saline and hypersaline lakes.
|
 Pictured above: White Ibis at Middle Reedy Lake |
The Kerang Wetlands Ramsar Site contains the largest Ibis Rookery in the Southern Hemishpere. It supports an abundant waterbird population inculding the endangered Freckled Duck and the Blue-Billed Duck.
Bird Watching is an activity that the whole family can enjoy. Over time people of all ages have been delighted by their beauty and their power of flight.
In the past, birds have been considered omens. The ancient Romans believed that the flights and calls of birds could foretell the future. Today, science still uses birds as a kind of oracle. Changes in bird population and behaviour can reflect the health of the environment. The knowledge of birds can help us plan a better, more sustainable relationship with nature. |
What does Bird Watching offer people?
Fun - An enjoyable, relaxing passtime.
Satisfaction - Bringing out the hunting instinct. It provides the satisfaction of the hunt without harming any wildlife.
Health - Bird Watching gets you outside and walking.
Family - Quality family time. You can introduce your children or grandchildren to an interest in nature.
Companionship - Bird Watching can be social activity. Nearly every community has a Bird Watching club of some sort.
Solitude - Bird Watching can be an ideal solitary sport. Bird Watching lends itself to the purpose of solitude or companionship, whichever you prefer. |  Pictured: Left ot right - Glossy Ibis, White Ibis, Straw-Necked Ibis
There are three species of Ibis indigenous to Australia. The White Ibis, which resembles the Sacred White Ibis of Egypt and the northern world. The Straw-Necked Ibis particular to Australia. And the rarer Glossy Ibis.
All of these birds can be seen at Kerang, though the Glossy Ibis is sometimes absent, being nomadic. Wherever you travel in this region you will see these bird soaring high above in the sky, or gathered in irrigated paddocks feeding on insects.
What do i need to start Bird Watching?
A pair of binoculars- Any are better than none. So start with whatever you have.
A field guide - A book with information about birds, the next best thing to having an expert standing next to you.
A notebook - For your field notes and to record what you see.
A hat - Any hat will do. To shade your eyes, but not cover your binoculars. Bird Watching is not an expensive sport, this is all you need to get started. So if you haven't tried Bird Watching before. When you visit Kerang would be a great time to start.
|
Kerang is the gateway to beautiful lakes and waterways and has one of the largest Ibis colonies in Australia.
Each spring over 200,000 Ibis nest in the Middle Lake Ibis Rookery, regarded as one of the largest Ibis breeding grounds in the world. |
An early morning expedition along the quiet country roads will reward the bird watcher with numerous sightings of many species of both field and water birds. Emus can often be seen on dry-land paddocks or near forest areas. Birds of prey can be seen around paddocks watching for movement. Pelicans, spoonbills, red and green grass parrots, galahs, flocks of cockatoos, swaphen and egrets. All of these birds and more can be seen in the area.
|
| Pictured Left: Bird Hide at Middle Lake Ibis Rookery
Imagine 200,000 Ibis flying home at dusk.
You need be here to see it. An elevated Bird Hide is provided at Middle Lake Ibis Rookery.
Windows and telescope are provided for looking directly over the breeding grounds at Middle Reedy Lake. |
To find out more check these pages-
|
| |
