For a second year in a row, Magpie Geese have returned to the Gippsland Lakes catchment being sighted again around Bairnsdale.
“We were excited about the sightings of these birds last year and thought it may be a one off, but to see them back again with three so far is very exciting,” Sean Phillipson, senior NRM advisor for East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, said.
The Bairnsdale birds are thought to be juveniles and using the area as a refuge. Magpie Geese are found on floodplains and in freshwater wetlands areas across coastal northern and eastern Australia. The geese were once widespread across freshwater wetlands of Gippsland and Victoria but historic over-hunting and draining of wetlands has led to these birds being listed as vulnerable in Victora.
“This year we have recorded three birds in the group. Magpie Geese often form breeding groups of three – two females and one male so this may be the case with this group which is encouraging.”
Magpie Geese need freshwater wetlands and aquatic plants to survive. It is hoped that works through the Love Our Lakes program to restore wetlands and reduce predators is contributing to the comeback of this special species.
“The birds’ return demonstrates that wetlands and plants around the Lakes are acting as a refuge and how important the right habitat can be for wildlife – no matter how small.”
“These uncommon visitors are something we can all celebrate and are a result of the combined effort to enhance and protect the health of the wetlands around the Lakes.”
