GlenysBirds at Wonga Wetlands (2of3): The Great Egret
February 12th 2011 00:32
... and the birds are returning to the wetlands ...
Great Egrets occur throughout the world. They are common throughout Australia, with the exception of the arid regions.
The diet of the Great Egret is mainly aquatic animals such as molluscs, small reptiles, aquatic insects, crustaceans, fish and amphibians which it catches by standing quietly in shallow water. Great Egrets usually feed alone, standing motionless in before stabbing its prey.
The Great Egret prefers shallow, flowing water, but may be seen on any watered area, including damp grasslands.
It breeds throughout the year. Both parents construct the nest which is a platform of sticks, in a tree, over the water - or sometimes in a reed bed at ground level. A Great Egret (usually) lays 3 or 4 pale green-blue eggs. Both parents incubate the eggs and care for the young.
Reference: Wikipedia
The Wonga Wetlands are near Albury, NSW, Australia, along the floodplain of the Murray River. It is an ecosystem of lagoons and billabongs and is home to a wide variety of wildlife and ancient river red gums. The Albury City’s plan to redevelop the Wonga Wetlands has resulted in many birds and other wildlife returning to the area. Some of the wetlands are natural but it is predominately man made. For many years this land has been used for grazing but the lagoons are being restored from Albury City’s wastewater treatment facility.
We visited in September and we were in for a pleasant surprise.
There were three walking trails to choose from and we chose the 2.5 km Red Trail. There are bird hides along the trails and we enjoyed sitting quietly, observing birds in their natural setting.
Some of the wetlands are natural but it is predominately man made. For many years this land has been used for grazing but the lagoons are being restored from Albury City’s wastewater treatment facility.
The Wonga Wetlands gradually dried out after the Hume Dam was built 1919-1931. The alteration to the natural flow of the Murray River has resulted in many of the floodplain wetlands and billabongs drying out.
The Albury City’s plan to redevelop the Wonga Wetlands has resulted in many birds and other wildlife returning to the area.
When you visit this area leave plenty of time to stroll along the paths and spend time in the bird hides observing the wildlife in its natural setting – and don’t forget your camera.
Great Egrets occur throughout the world. They are common throughout Australia, with the exception of the arid regions.
The Great Egret, Wonga Wetlands, Albury, New South Wales, Australia.
The diet of the Great Egret is mainly aquatic animals such as molluscs, small reptiles, aquatic insects, crustaceans, fish and amphibians which it catches by standing quietly in shallow water. Great Egrets usually feed alone, standing motionless in before stabbing its prey.
The Great Egret prefers shallow, flowing water, but may be seen on any watered area, including damp grasslands.
It breeds throughout the year. Both parents construct the nest which is a platform of sticks, in a tree, over the water - or sometimes in a reed bed at ground level. A Great Egret (usually) lays 3 or 4 pale green-blue eggs. Both parents incubate the eggs and care for the young.
Reference: Wikipedia
Great Egret, Wonga Wetlands.
The Wonga Wetlands are near Albury, NSW, Australia, along the floodplain of the Murray River. It is an ecosystem of lagoons and billabongs and is home to a wide variety of wildlife and ancient river red gums. The Albury City’s plan to redevelop the Wonga Wetlands has resulted in many birds and other wildlife returning to the area. Some of the wetlands are natural but it is predominately man made. For many years this land has been used for grazing but the lagoons are being restored from Albury City’s wastewater treatment facility.
We visited in September and we were in for a pleasant surprise.
There were three walking trails to choose from and we chose the 2.5 km Red Trail. There are bird hides along the trails and we enjoyed sitting quietly, observing birds in their natural setting.
Some of the wetlands are natural but it is predominately man made. For many years this land has been used for grazing but the lagoons are being restored from Albury City’s wastewater treatment facility.
The Wonga Wetlands gradually dried out after the Hume Dam was built 1919-1931. The alteration to the natural flow of the Murray River has resulted in many of the floodplain wetlands and billabongs drying out.
The Albury City’s plan to redevelop the Wonga Wetlands has resulted in many birds and other wildlife returning to the area.
When you visit this area leave plenty of time to stroll along the paths and spend time in the bird hides observing the wildlife in its natural setting – and don’t forget your camera.
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