To celebrate several years of record-breaking waterbird breeding seasons, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder (CEWH) has collaborated with numerous photographers to present a stunning photo exhibition.
The exhibition called A Waterbird Breeding Spectacular: An Exhibition of Waterbird Photography will be on display at the Balranald Art Gallery from 4 – 31 October.
Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder Dr Simon Banks said the waterbird photos were an outstanding collection of images of large-scale waterbird breeding at wetlands across NSW.
“Many of these wetlands are not accessible to the public so the exhibition provides an invaluable insight into these important bird species,” he said.
“These places are special – some of them recognised internationally – and we feel very privileged getting out into these wetlands to witness the waterbird breeding. We wanted to share what it’s like to be amongst the chaos and sheer scale of lots of birds breeding in various Murray-Darling Basin wetlands.
“As well as showcasing some of the spectacular scenery the exhibit includes an educational component, portraying the various life stages of various birds and how water for the environment is used to support large-scale waterbird breeding,” Dr Banks said.
CEWH Local Engagement Officer Michele Groat said it’s been an incredible few years for waterbird breeding because of all the water that has been around.
“Balranald is a fitting location to have the display as it’s smack bang in the centre of many spectacular wetlands,” Michele said.
“At the Gayini wetlands on the Lower Murrumbidgee our monitoring teams counted around 100,000 ibis nests at the Bala Rookery and 21,000 pelican nests at Kieta.
“As well as ibis and pelicans, there were large numbers of spoonbills, egrets, herons and other water-dependent birds like cormorants, ducks, swans and grebes making the most of the favourable conditions to breed.”
Michele said while water for the environment doesn’t trigger these mass bird-breeding events, it often plays a critical role supporting them.
“Environmental water managers monitor waterbird breeding and work closely with our partners and landholders to use water for the environment to hold water levels stable or to improve water quality so waterbirds have the best chance of survival,” she said.
“If water levels drop too quickly, it can lead to adult birds abandoning their nests or exposing eggs and chicks to predators like foxes and pigs. We also use water for the environment to ensure there is plenty of food and suitable habitat for young birds.
“Local farmers and the Nari Nari Tribal Council, landowners of Gayini, are integral to the success of these bird breeding events.
“Because most of these rookery sites are so remote, we rely heavily on the local landholders to keep us updated on the conditions at the rookeries. Without their knowledge and help it would make our job so much harder.”
