Byron Bird Buddies

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Waterbirds

Byron Bay is home to a large constructed wetland named the West Byron Wetlands, a project managed by Byron Shire Council. Previously untreated or minimally treated sewrage used to be discharged into the Belongil estuary. Now effluent is treated to the highest quality standards and discharged into a number of 'cells' which form the wetlands. This is then followed by a slow release of clean water into Belongil Creek.

The constructed 'cells' have become a wetland rich in food and home to many birds and other native fauna including two rare and endangered species of frog. Some of the birds are permanent residents and others are migratory. Many waterbirds also visit the adjacent Belongil estuary to feed on the low tide.

Black-Necked Stork	Great Egret
Black Swan	Black Swans
Black Swan with cygnets born in 2007	Royal Spoonbill & Swamp Hen
Royal Spoonbill on nest	Spoonbills and Egrets feeding on the Belongil mudflats