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Birds of Sydney Olympic Park

Birdlife abounds at Sydney Olympic Park - over 140 native bird species have been identified within the area since 1996. New species are being recorded each year as new landscapes gradually increase in habitat value. The colourful Superb Fairy-wren is one of the most visible birds across Sydney Olympic Park, but waterbirds, parrots, honeyeaters and birds of prey are also readily seen.   

Red-rumped parrotHollows formed in mature Scribbly Gums within Newington Nature Reserve provide a regionally important nesting and feeding area for parrots such as Rainbow Lorrikeets, Eastern Rosellas and the locally rare Red-rumped Parrots. 

For a full bird species list visit the bird species page

 

Migratory Shorebirds

Estuarine and freshwater wetlands provide extensive waterbird habitat, both for resident and migratory species protected by international treaties.  Migratory species such as Greenshanks, Lathams Snipe, and Sandpipers travel between breeding grounds in the northern hemisphere and Sydney Olympic Park each year to feed and roost within the wetlands.

Visit the migratory shorebird page for more information

Birdwatching

Particularly good vantage points for birdwatchers are:

  • the Waterbird Refuge and Lake Belvedere within Bicentennial Park 
  • Northern Water Feature at the end of Olympic Boulevard
  • Narawang Wetland
  • Woo-la-ra, with commanding views of Newington Nature Reserve.

Monitoring Birds

Bird populations are regularly monitored across the Park. The monitoring program improves the understanding of ecological values post-development, and is an important tool for ongoing operational management of the site. It provides information for interpretive and educational programs, community information, and environmental reporting. 

Objectives of this program are to provide:

  • information to assist the conservation of native birds and their habitat within Sydney Olympic ParkEurasian Coot
  • information to assist Sydney Olympic Park Authority to meet obligations for bird conservation under international agreements, State and National legislation, and the Authority's corporate environmental commitments
  • ongoing regular audits of the birds as part of the long-term monitoring plan for birds
  • information to guide management of birds and bird habitat
  • opportunities for community involvement in ecology programs
  • information for interpretive programs.

 

The core of the monitoring program is annual spring survey of 48 sites around the Park conducted by volunteers from the Cumberland Bird Observers Club. These surveys are supplemented by specialist studies of particular habitats or bird families.