A refuge within a refuge

A new island delivers an early success story for waterbirds at Sydney Olympic Park.

A refuge within a refuge

The Waterbird Refuge is well known for providing a haven for waterbirds with large numbers congregating within this wetland. Sydney Olympic Park has recently created a new island within the Refuge, providing valuable nesting and roosting habitat for a range of waterbird species.

Creating a safe nesting habitat

The island was specifically designed to support the Pied Stilt, a ground-nesting waterbird that is particularly vulnerable to predators such as foxes and cats. By creating an isolated nesting area surrounded by water, Sydney Olympic Park has provided a safer environment for these birds to breed and raise their young.

Many waterbirds prefer to rest away from the edges of wetlands, where they can be disturbed by passing people, bikes, and other activity. The new island offers a secure sanctuary in the middle of the refuge, giving birds a place to roost undisturbed.

Early signs of success

The project has already proved a success. Just three weeks after the island was installed, Pied Stilts began nesting on the site. At the time of writing, eight active nests have been recorded on the island, demonstrating the immediate value of this new habitat for Sydney Olympic Park's waterbird population.

The island was dragged out into the centre of the Waterbird Refuge and anchored to the site.

Success! Pied Stilts quickly adopted the island and began nesting.