If you take a trip to Winton Wetlands to see local birdlife, a new resource can help you identify some spectacular native breeds.
The new pictorial guide to wetland birds of north-east Victoria is now available, and aims to help the community get to know their local birdlife.
Developed by the Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, the guide features 52 wetland birds, including critically endangered species such as the Australian painted-snipe and the Arctic breeding migrant sharp-tailed sandpiper.
DEECA natural environment program officer Dan Pendavingh said that visiting local wetlands and observing birds was a great way to get outdoors and connect with nature.
“North-east Victorian wetlands are critical habitat for an array of wetland birds, including threatened species,” Mr Pendavingh said.
“Wetland-dependent bird species are declining at an alarming rate.
Of the 52 species listed in the brochure, 14 are threatened and therefore are protected under state and national environmental legislation.
“The fact that they call north-east Victoria home makes our wetlands extra special,” Mr Pendavingh said.
“Permanent and temporary wetlands are critical for biodiversity and ecological productivity, so it’s important that we conserve and restore wetland habitats to support their bird populations.”
DEECA’s Natural Environment Program supports the conservation of wetlands on private and public land.
Ongoing work to protect and restore wetland habitats, including weed and predator control and environmental watering, is also supported by catchment management authorities and community groups.
The wetlands birds guide was developed in partnership with Goulburn Broken CMA, North East CMA, Birdlife Australia, Swamps, Rivers and Ranges and RiverConnect.
It adds to the existing collection of north-east Victorian flora and fauna brochures developed by DEECA, including reptiles and frogs, wildflowers of the foothills and mountains, turtles and fish and woodland birds.
Visit environment.vic.gov.au/biodiversity/flora-and-fauna-brochures-of-ne-victoria-hume-region for an online copy and to download the full collection
Hard copies are available from DEECA’s Benalla office, at 89 Sydney Rd.
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