G’day all,
Like many of the wetlands in the upper and central parts of
the Murray
region at present, Wonga is pumping. A one hour walk this afternoon (Sunday 11th
Dec 2005) yielded over 60 bird species.
The water levels are high so it is particularly good for the
deep water species with a large number of waterfowl, probably over 1000. It
should get better for crakes and the like as summer progresses and some mud is
exposed. There is also much breeding (e.g. Black swan, Grey Teal, Dusky
Moorhen, Purple Swamphen), numerous Red-bellied Black Snakes, at least one
Murray Turtle and several Eastern Long-necked Turtles including their predated
nests, presumably dug up by foxes. Highlights are listed below.
Wonga Wetlands are open to the public, providing enjoyable
walking trails managed by Albury City Council and are accessible from the
Riverina Highway, only about 4 km west of Albury towards Howlong/Finley. You
can’t miss the big entry gates.
Regards, Matt Herring.
Great Crested Grebe (18) –
my highest count at Wonga over past 9 years
Blue-billed Duck (7) –
my highest count at Wonga over past 9 years
Musk Duck (10)
Double-barred Finch (2)
Latham’s Snipe (1) –
low number, almost no mud
Black-tailed Native-hen (4) –
resident since 2002/03 drought
White-bellied Sea Eagle (1)
Intermediate Egret (11) –
many in full breeding colour
Nankeen Night Heron (1)
