The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is urging people in the New England and North West regions of the State to explore local wetlands ahead of World Wetlands Day next week (2 February).
Project Officer with NPWS, Joanne Ocock said recent rain and river flows meant wetlands in the area were looking better than they had in many years and were ‘teeming with wildlife’.
“We are so lucky to have these wetlands right on our doorstep in really accessible areas,” Dr Ocock said.
“The best way to experience them is to be prepared and be patient,” she said.
“If you’re in the Armidale area pack a picnic and head to Little Llangothlin or Mother of Ducks Lagoon for some gorgeous scenery without a long walk.”
Dr Ocock said people could also take binoculars or a long lens camera to the Waterbird Lagoon bird hide at Gwydir Wetlands State Conservation Area where birdwatchers had been rewarded with some spectacular finds.
“Species sighted at the hide this January include an Australian little bittern, black-necked stork (jabiru) and pheasant coucal,” she said.
“Sightings of more common species such as pink-eared ducks, pelicans and whistling kites are almost guaranteed.”
Dr Ocock said wetlands were important feeding and breeding areas for many native species of fauna as well as other migratory birds such as the Latham’s snipe and sandpipers.
