Birds of Sydney Olympic Park
Birdlife abounds in the diverse habitats of Sydney Olympic Park - over 180 native bird species have been identified in the Park since 1996, including migratory, nomadic and resident species. New species are being recorded each year as constructed 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.
Download a bird species list for Sydney Olympic Park (309kb PDF)
Four bird species / groups are identified as priorities for conservation at Sydney Olympic Park, and are the focus of targeted management and monitoring programs. These are:
Birdwatching
Sydney Olympic Park provides excellent bird watching opportunities.
The best places to watch birds in the Park are:
- The Waterbird Refuge (refer Park Map O12), a 4-hectare estuarine wetland featuring a bird hide and other vantage points from which large numbers of ducks and waders can be readily seen, including migratory species such as the Bar-tailed Godwit and Sharp-tailed Sandpiper.
- The Northern Water Feature (refer Park Map F15), a freshwater wetland inhabited by resident waterbirds such as the Purple Swamphen, Dusky Moorhen, Black Swan, and Australasian Grebe. A walkway that extends over the wetland provides good viewing opportunities of these and other species. Look out for nests and chicks, particularly in spring and summer.
- The Eastern Water Quality Control Pond (refer Park Map L12), another freshwater wetland frequented by ducks and other waterbirds. The reeds fringing the wetland provide habitat for the Australian Reed Warbler, Little Grassbird, and the secretive Baillon’s Crake and Buff-banded Rail. There is a hide and other good vantage points to view these birds.
- Throughout the Park, shrubby areas provide habitat for small bush birds. Look out for species such as the Superb Fairy-wren, Double-barred Finch, Spotted Pardalote, Grey Fantail and Brown Honeyeater. Birds of prey like the Black-shouldered Kite and Nankeen Kestrel can often be seen hunting over open, grassy areas, and the River Walk (refer Park Map A3-O2) is a good place to spot White-bellied Sea-eagles.
Monitoring Birds
Bird populations are regularly monitored across the Park. Monitoring improves the understanding of ecological values post-development, and is an important tool for ongoing operational management of the Park. It provides information for interpretive and educational programs, community information, and environmental reporting.
Objectives of the bird monitoring program are to provide:
- information to assist the conservation of native birds and their habitat within Sydney Olympic Park
- 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
- 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 an 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 species/groups at other times of the year.
More information
See Environment Reports for more information about bird monitoring and habitat management at Sydney Olympic Park.
The Birds Australia Discovery Centre is located at Sydney Olympic Park and provides information and training programs about birds. The Discovery Centre also shows footage from a White-bellied Sea-eagle nest, live via EagleCam.
For more information about birds and their habitat requirements, visit Birds in Backyards