For the first time in more than 40 years, an endangered bird has returned to Lagoon of Islands on Tasmania’s Central Plateau.
The “distinctive booming call” of the Australasian bittern has once again been heard across the plateau, roughly 1.5 hours from Hobart.
Scientists estimate there could be fewer than 1,000 mature Australasian bitterns remaining in Australia, making the recent discovery of a breeding pair with chicks ‘even more exciting’.
Hydro Tasmania environmental scientist Bec Sheldon is part of the team that has been restoring the unique wetlands for the past decade and recording the calls of the birds.
“It was a privilege hearing that booming call on the tapes. It’s been more than 40 years since bitterns have been recorded at Lagoon of Islands,” she said.
“We’re now reaping the fruits of our rehabilitation efforts, seeing this fantastic species move back in and the site become a self-sustaining, productive, natural wetland.”
Bittern expert Geoff Shannon said he recently spotted a breeding pair with four chicks at the lagoon, calling it a “magnificent sight”.
“One of my most exciting birding views ever … It’s the best record of breeding in Tasmania we’ve had for many years I would think,” he said.
Nicknamed the “Bunyip bird”, the Australasian bittern is a large member of the heron family known for its secretive nature and camouflaged plumage, making it difficult to spot.
