Protecting habitat for waterbirds at Biddabah Creek wetland

Protecting breeding habitat for waterbirds
Co-Team Leader, Vina Chubb reports March 4, 2025.

AFTER THE summer break, Biddabah Creek Landcare Group has resumed their efforts to care for the land surrounding the Biddabah Creek waterway. The group is actively working on several projects to improve the local ecosystem:

Weed Management

  • The team is focusing on removing invasive species such as Paspalum, Morning Glory, Farmer’s Friend, and Crofton Weed.

Native Plant Restoration
The front of the site has been cleared and replanted with native species:

  • Lomandra and Dianella are now thriving,
  • The area has been recently re-mulched.

Aquatic Environment

  • Duckweed and Floating Primrose are present in the waterway,
  • Pacific Black Ducks are regular visitors, often seen foraging on the Duckweed.

Wildlife Observations
Resident Species:

  • A family of Purple Swamphens is permanently present,
  • A Buff-banded Rail family was discovered living among the reeds six months ago,
  • A Bush Wren was recently detected utilising monitoring trail cameras installed by Landcare officer, Wendy Gleen.

Other Wildlife Sightings:

  • Northern Brown Bandicoot
  • Brushtail Possum
  • Ringtail Possums (observed earlier)

Visiting Waterbirds:

  • Egrets
  • Ibis
  • Cormorants
  • Wood Ducks
  • Chestnut Teals

Aquatic Life:

  • Small turtles and eels inhabit the waterway, though they are rarely seen.

The Biddabah Creek site has become a haven for diverse wildlife, offering the Landcare group fascinating discoveries during their conservation work.