The Rotary Club of South West Rocks and Kempsey Shire took an old degraded dairy farmand rehabilitated it, creating a wetland haven for water birds and migratory birds. Over 3000 rainforest trees were planted, and even more smaller plants and bushes. The Boyters Lane bird hide was constructed with timber from the old milking shed, and a flat, compacted path provides easy access for birdwatchers and strollers. The site has deservedly won Kempsey Shire an environmental award.
We started out walk at the Bird Hide overlooking Teal lagoon. We watched a pelican approach, trimming its wingtip feathers before turning onto finals and landing.
The walk follows a relaxed loop, with a section of mangroves, salt marshes and rainforest trees. Information signs on the walk highlight the threats and reasons to conserve coastal estuarine environments. Salt marshes provide food and refuge for critters and birds, are buffer zones and carbon sinks. Mangroves are key fish habitat, and provide food, act as coastal barriers and also store carbon.
Summer has been very wet in northern NSW, so there was lots of water lying around. Perfect for birds and mosquito breeding. It wasn’t long before we’d renamed this the Slap Slap Slap walk as we dispatched mosquito after mosquito. Next time we’ll cover up with long sleeves and long trousers, and bring some bird watching binoculars.
