The Werribee treatment plant is located in Werribee, Victoria, Australia and is known for attracting a wide variety of bird species. As a sewage treatment facility, the plant contains large open ponds which provide habitats for many waterbirds. In addition, the surrounding grasslands and wetlands create an environment suitable for various other bird species. This article will provide an overview of the key bird species that can be seen at the Werribee treatment plant.
Waterbirds at the Treatment Plant
The open sewage ponds at the Werribee treatment plant mimic natural wetlands, providing ideal habitat for a range of waterbirds. Some of the most notable waterbird species found here include:
- Black swan – Elegant black-plumaged swans that can often be seen swimming in groups on the ponds.
- Pacific black duck – A common dabbling duck species seen in the shallow edges of the ponds.
- Australian white ibis – Large white wading birds that forage in the shallows for food.
- Great egret – Distinctive white herons that stalk through the water hunting for fish and frogs.
- Royal spoonbill – Unmissable birds with a unique spoon-shaped bill used for feeding in the shallow water.
- Australian pelican – Large waterbirds with huge bills that scoop up fish.
In addition to these species, a variety of other ducks, grebes, cormorants, gulls and terns can be spotted around the ponds on any given day. The nutrient-rich waters allow these birds to find plentiful food sources and the man-made ponds provide safe roosting and breeding grounds.
Birds of Prey
Several birds of prey are also attracted to the diverse habitats within and around the Werribee treatment plant. Birds of prey spotted hunting here include:
- Whistling kite – A raptor known for its whistling call, often seen soaring above the ponds.
- Black kite – A fork-tailed raptor that scavenges for food.
- Brown falcon – A stocky falcon species that hunts rodents and birds in the grassy areas.
- Nankeen kestrel – A small, hover-hunting falcon that feeds on insects, small mammals and reptiles.
- White-bellied sea eagle – Australia’s second largest raptor, a powerful bird of prey.
The constant presence of prey attracts these birds of prey to utilize the diverse habitat. Large birds of prey may be seen hunting over the treatment ponds, while smaller raptors hunt in the grasslands and wetlands surrounding the facility.
Other Notable Species
Beyond just waterbirds and birds of prey, the Werribee treatment plant attracts a wide array of interesting bird species. Some other notable birds to watch for here include:
- Australasian pipit – A small ground-dwelling songbird that forages in the grassy areas.
- Australian magpie – A familiar black and white songbird often seen strutting across the ground.
- Welcome swallow – An acrobatic small bird that feeds on flying insects above the ponds.
- Fairy martin – A tiny migratory swallow that breeds in nesting colonies at the site.
- Silver gull – The most common gull in Australia, often seen in noisy flocks.
- Crested pigeon – A pretty pink and grey pigeon that can be found drinking and feeding near the ponds.
- Galah – Highly social pink and grey cockatoos that fly over the plant in pairs or flocks.
There are always plenty of fascinating bird behaviours and interactions to observe. Large migratory flocks of birds like sharp-tailed sandpipers may stop to rest and feed at the ponds during their migrations.
Seasonal Changes
The variety of bird species observed at Werribee treatment plant can change substantially depending on the season. During summer, many inland and northern Australian birds fly south and can be seen stopping briefly at the ponds. In winter, the ponds attract large numbers of ducks, swans and grebes. Migratory waders are more common during their migration seasons in spring and autumn.
Breeding season brings increased activity, with courtship displays and birds guarding nests. The treatment plant provides ideal breeding grounds for many species that struggle to find suitable nesting sites elsewhere due to habitat destruction. Even extremely rare vagrant species may occasionally make stopovers during migration periods.
Photographing the Birdlife
The Werribee treatment plant is a birdwatcher’s paradise and a top spot for bird photography. The excellent viewing platforms allow close-up encounters with wetland species and photographic opportunities. Telephoto lenses are recommended for capturing birds in the ponds, while smaller lenses work well for grassland species. Here are some top tips for photographing birds at Werribee:
- Use camouflage, a bird hide or your vehicle as a shooting blind to get closer to wary birds.
- Visit in early morning or late afternoon when lighting is best and bird activity peaks.
- Focus on eye level shots and capturing interesting behaviours.
- Fill the frame with the bird by getting as close as you can.
- Adjust your shutter speed to freeze or blur wing motion artistically.
- Shoot in RAW format for best image quality and post-processing latitude.
With practice and patience, you can capture beautiful high-quality images of the diverse birdlife at the Werribee treatment plant.
Accessing the Treatment Plant
The Werribee treatment plant offers good public access and birdwatching infrastructure. There are several public viewing areas located around the main treatment ponds, reached via Gate 3 on Ballan Road. The eagle-eyed bird observation tower provides panoramic views over the entire 250 hectare treatment complex. Lower viewing platforms get you closer to the water’s edge.
To explore the surrounding wetlands and grasslands, head to the Werribee Tourism Precinct on K Road. Well-maintained walking trails weave through the area, offering more birdwatching vantage points. Guided tours of the treatment plant can also be booked through Melbourne Water and Werribee Tourism for more informed birdwatching excursions.
Entrance is free, and the plant can be visited during daylight hours everyday of the week. Peak times are early morning and late afternoon when bird activity is highest. Avoid visiting during strong winds, rain or heatwaves for the best bird sightings.
Bird Species Diversity and Counts
Over 200 different bird species have been recorded at the Werribee treatment plant over time. The combination of coastal wetlands and grassy woodlands creates a diverse habitat that attracts a wide cross section of Victoria’s avifauna throughout the year. Some of the notable statistics on bird diversity include:
- 56 species of waterbirds recorded – including ducks, swans, cormorants, herons, egrets, grebes and pelicans.
- 34 species of migratory shorebirds visit the ponds annually – mostly sandpipers, stints and godwits.
- 29 different raptors utilize the area for hunting – including falcons, goshawks, kites and owls.
- Over 40 grassland species inhabit the adjacent plains – pipits, larks, robins and more.
- Parrots and cockatoos comprising 12 species have been spotted.
The most numerous species observed include Australian white ibis, with over 600 recorded at once, and black swan, with counts over 400. Up to 7000 silver gulls may gather at once. Regular surveys and the local BirdLife Australia branch help monitor populations and migratory numbers.
Example peak count data
Species | Example Peak Count |
---|---|
Australian white ibis | 600 |
Black swan | 400 |
Silver gull | 7000 |
Pacific black duck | 300 |
Grey teal | 250 |
These impressive numbers demonstrate the importance of the Werribee treatment plant as a refuge and habitat for birds in a rapidly developing region. Ongoing preservation of this vital ecosystem will ensure the continued survival of diverse bird populations in the area.
Conservation Importance
The Werribee treatment plant provides critical habitat for birds in a region that has suffered extensive wetland destruction and development pressures. Many bird species now rely on this man-made habitat for their survival and breeding due to the lack of natural alternatives. Along with the adjoining Western Treatment Plant at Lake Borrie, these sewage treatment wetlands form the largest inland feeding ground for migratory shorebirds in south-east Australia.
The ponds provide safe roosting sites for thousands of migratory birds each year enroute along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway. They are a refuge for threatened species like the curlew sandpiper, sharp-tailed sandpiper, red-necked stint and double-banded plover. The facilities are recognised internationally as a wetland of significance under the Ramsar Convention.
Ongoing management and protection of this sensitive ecosystem is vital to ensure we don’t lose further bird species. Melbourne Water and BirdLife Australia work cooperatively to maintain and enhance the conservation value of the site. Simple strategies like creating temporary islands in the ponds provide safe breeding grounds for endangered birds like red-necked avocets.
Conclusion
In summary, the Werribee treatment plant provides varied habitat that attracts over 200 bird species throughout the year. The man-made ponds in particular provide critical feeding, roosting and breeding grounds for waterbirds, many of which are protected or declining. Birds of prey also utilize the grasslands and wetlands when hunting for food. The easy public access makes it an exceptional destination for birdwatching and nature photography near Melbourne. This unique ecosystem requires ongoing management and protection to maintain its vital role as a refuge for diverse birdlife in a rapidly developing landscape.