The restored Sandhills Wetlands recently opened close to the Byron Bay town centre. The area was heavily mined for sand in the 1960s and this destroyed the original wetlands. Across the 1.8 hectare site are three ponds, a network of shared paths and seating. The new wetlands aim to improve water quality of the outflow onto the beach and to provide environment for wildlife. The Byron Bird Buddies are surveying to establish the initial bird populations. Forty species were counted at last weeks survey.
Welcome Swallow have moved into the new wetlands along with Australian Ibis, Masked Lapwings, with visits from herons, Royal Spoonbills and a Little Egret.
A view across the largest pond of the new Sandhills Wetland. Good numbers of Figbirds, Noisy Friarbirds, Little Wattlebirds as well as Noisy Miners and Common Mynas were counted.
It was encouraging to see some small birds including White-browed Scrubwrens and Superb Fairy-wrens.
The wetlands will clean up waterways used by some regular visitors to the Byron beaches including the Beach Stone-curlews.