A count of Lake Wendouree's birds a week ago revealed that swan numbers are below average, and several other waterbirds are fewer than might be expected at this time of the year.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The swan total was 92, which was 60 fewer than were counted in early December. However, it is only 20 fewer than it was in February 2019 and 2016.
The current swan population equals a total from December 2018, and is one of the lowest for many years.
Through the 1990s, the swan population at this time of the year was mostly between 150 and 250.
READ MORE: Lake Wendouree swans: rescuer's tips
Black ducks last week totalled 275, in contrast to an unusually-high 605 12 months ago, and 355 four years ago.
Musk ducks are now 21, not much different from last year's 24, and last December's 19. In February 2016, there were 45.
Wood ducks are fewer - but not significantly - at 99.
Little pied cormorants and little black cormorants have large, almost-flying youngsters after their nesting season. A total of 133 little pied and 53 little black cormorants were counted.
Last year there were 1355 coots, but now there are 850. In early December, there were 828. Grey teal were just 14 a week ago, four in December, and 83 in February 2016.
No freckled ducks or hardheads were seen during the count. A tame Cape Barren goose had been seen off-and-on for some weeks earlier, but was not seen on the day.
A total of 22 species of waterbirds were seen, including four pelicans, 65 purple swamphens, 34 dusky moorhens, 23 white ibises, two magpie geese and 13 great crested grebes.
Ibis numbers have reduced significantly, as they always do after their busy nesting season.
It is usual for waterbird numbers to change from season to season. However, the low number of black swans is of some concern and will be watched in the future.
Non-waterbirds were counted too. A flock of 180 little corellas was significant. This species is relatively new at Lake Wendouree.
Also seen were three common bronzewings, two pied currawongs, 12 reed warblers, a lone willie wagtail, 63 magpie-larks and 22 crested pigeons. A total of 26 non-waterbird species were counted, making a full list of 48 species.
