BIRDWATCHING at Belmont wetlands state park
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BIRD WATCHING REPORT - July 2026 Overview and Bird Flu Alert In April, my surveys of Belmont Lagoon and Wetlands looked for signs of increasing woodlands bird activity - evidence of this year’s south-eastern honeyeater migration. This month it’s more serious; the latest ‘avian flu’ virus1 has arrived via migratory shorebirds. Detection of the H5N1 strain was confirmed recently near Hawks Nest, where two Giant Petrel carcasses were found to be carriers and victims. Early last week BWSP Rangers reported to NSW authorities an Australasian Gannet carcass washed up on this beach, thankful it was a negative result. The effect on human health is reportedly lower than to birdlife but the risk to poultry farms, local birds (magpies) and domestic pets is huge. Native birds are breeding and migrating now as well. The first line of prevention along our coastline is your vigilance and cooperation when in this Park. Any sick birds or carcasses noted on beach dunes are potential ‘booby traps’ for other birdlife (eg. raptors, gulls, ravens) and coastal carnivores (dogs, cats, rodents and foxes). One volunteer recently noted a White-bellied Sea Eagle carrying a carcass! State government websites have up-to-date information on the H5N1 virus and how you can help manage this crisis domestically. www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/bird-flu/Pages/default.aspx That’s vital in every suburb given our family pets and backyard birds! LMCC officers, HBOC volunteers, BWSP and wildlife volunteers ask all visitors, birdwatchers and dog-walkers to report seeing (and avoid handling) any sick or dead sea birds. WOODLAND BIRDS SEEN AROUND THE PARK Despite passing rainstorms over the last month several bird surveys were conducted at the Lagoon. Most recent results noted good species diversity and bird numbers for this winter. As we look forward to the wonders of spring at Belmont Wetlands State Park, we encourage all visitors to remain observant and report any unusual activity to our Rangers. We all share responsibility as custodians of this remarkable Park, particularly in protecting its diverse and treasured native birdlife. Written By Grahame Feletti (HBOC member) [email protected] Photo 1 - Northern Giant Petrel Photo 2 - Australasian Gannet Photo 3 - Southern Giant Petrel 
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