WETLANDS ARE CRUCIAL FOR SURVIVAL
THE dense reed-beds that cover part of the lower reaches of the Barwon River are the home of one of our most elusive birds.
Australian bitterns are largely nocturnal, or at least crepuscular, spending much of the day in secluded places.
But at dusk, and through the night, they hunt for the frogs, fish and other fauna on which they feed.
It is then too that you are likely to hear them — their deep booming voice an integral part of the night sounds of the wetlands.
It is said that the bittern’s call gave rise to the belief that bunyips inhabited these same swamps.
Found across Victoria, New South Wales and the adjacent parts of South Australia and Queensland, bitterns have suffered the same fate as most of our water birds.
Draining of the wetlands on which they depend has sadly reduced their numbers.
Now classed as an endangered species throughout Australia, it is only in the protected wetlands are they safe.
We know all too little about their nesting places, for it seems likely it is in the densest reed-beds that they raise their young.
Recently, local ornithologist Craig Morley, on a pre-dawn visit to Reedy Lake, watched an immature bittern in the shallow wetlands.
It has been believed for a long time that bitterns probably nested there, but until now we had little proof.