Why Gum Swamp should be on every bird-watcher's bucket list
Guest User
Gum Swamp from inside the bird hide. Marg Applebee, 2019.
Gum Swamp is an altered wetland and place of interest for many twitchers (bird-watching enthusiasts) and ornithologists from around the globe looking to tick an elusive species off their bird lists.
At least 158 bird species have been recorded here including 9 species of duck, most notably the rare and endangered Freckled duck, the Musk Duck and the Blue-billed Duck. Other prominent sightings include Black Falcons, Magpie Geese, Peregrine Falcons, Crakes, Brown Snipes, Treecreepers and Grey-Crowned Babbles.
One endangered species recorded at Gum Swamp is the Painted Snipe (Rostratula australis). In 2016, the Central West Local Land Services funded the Alliance project, Increasing Habitat for Painted Snipe, restoring an area of Gum Swamp known to support this particular species. The integrated weed control and revegetation with native riparian species successfully improved habitat for not only the Painted Snipe, but also for many other species who rely on this type of habitat for feeding, breeding, nesting and moulting.
Even in the midst of the drought, the swamp’s birdlife is prolific and provides excellent photographic opportunities, especially at sunrise and sunset. Marg Applebee, Central West Lachlan Landcare Co-ordinator provided the attached images, stating, “it’s just about my favourite place to take photos”. And if you look online, many keen photographers agree.
Located 4km south of Forbes, just off the Newell Highway, Gum Swamp provides a bird hide that is well-positioned to allow you to sit and observe the beauty of this wildlife sanctuary without disturbing the natural behaviour of the whistling kites, black swans, herons, egrets, cormorants and sea eagles perching amongst the timber. Bring binoculars or a zoom camera to potentially see 60-70 species within a few hours, depending on the season.
Alliance members, along with our valued Friends of the Alliance will visit Gum Swamp on March 18, with Marg Applebee providing an overview of the Gum Swamp site and an update on the Painted Snipe project.
If your organisation is interested in becoming a Friend of the Alliance, please contact us.
Increasing Habitat for Painted Snipe project site in 2020. Photo by Marg Applebee.