Bairnsdale - Macleod Morass Wildlife Reserve - East Gippsland

Bairnsdale - Macleod Morass Wildlife Reserve

Macleod Morass is a 520 hectare, deep freshwater marsh, of which the Long Waterhole was once the bed of the Mitchell River. The morass receives flood waters from the river and local catchment runoff. In spite of the quiet stillness, the morass teems with life. This ecosystem is a remarkable generator of living energy, providing habitat for hundreds of species of birds, frogs, fish, insects, reptiles and mammals. As you walk along the boardwalk you can enjoy the abundant birdlife and other animals that inhabit the morass.

Starting on the Bosworth Road 1.3 km east of Forge Creek Road just off the Princes Highway you will find a walk sign post just near the carpark. It is a very easy walk of only about 500 metres, with interpretive displays included.

The numbers refer to numbered pegs along the boardwalk but just don't look for the pegs! There is plenty of interest between them as well. Along the way listen for frogs and birds and keep an eye out for the occasional snake. Tortoises, water rats and the introduced pest European Carp can be seen.

Large numbers of waterfowl, like swamphens, ducks, egrets are visible on one side, and reed dwellers occupy another area but are harder to view. Dependant on water levels, birdlife varies but is still prolific.

Macleod Morass Wildlife Reserve

1. Look around you ..
The large trees in this area are Red Gums (Eucalyptus tereticornis). Other shrubs and trees including Swamp Paperbark (Melaleuca ericifolia), Woolly Tea-tree (Leptospermum lanigerum) and the Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon) also grow here. They have adapted to a life in wet soils and provide habitat for nesting and roosting birds.

2. Islands
These man-made earthen islands provide shelter, breeding habitat and security from landbased predators for many species of water fowl. Man-made islands should have shallow edges to provide feeding sites and gently sloping banks to allow easy access and prevent wave erosion. Natural islands are formed in the dense reedbeds which also provide a range of habitats.

3. Reeds
The Common Reed (Phragmites australis) is abundant throughout the morass. It is a native perennial growing up to four metres high and has extensive shallow roots. This reed provides nesting and cover for waterfowl. The Reed Warbler, a small rather dull plumaged bird with a musical call, builds a deep cup-shaped nest attached to three or four stems of this reed. The Reed Warbler is a migratory bird, arriving in the southern areas during spring. If you look carefully you may even spot one of their nests attached to the reed.

4. The Giant Rush
The Giant Rush (Juncus ingens) is another species of reed found in the morass. Together with the Cumbungi (Typha orientalis), they form dense virtually impenetrable stands. Ibis and Spoonbills break down the Giant Rush to form platforms for their nests.

5. Aquatic insects
At this point, stand still and watch the water teaming with aquatic insect life. While some species live on the surface of the water, many live beneath the surface, some on plants, some in burrows or moving across the bottom. The Dragonfly nymphs live underwater for over a year before they surface. Other common species are Water Boatmen and Water Beetles.

6. Floating plants
These plants don't have roots that fix to the bottom of the morass, instead they float on the surface with very shallow roots. The most common species found here are Azollas and Duckweeds which form a dense mat across the nutrient enriched waters. They are a source of food for many waterbirds.

7. Rushes
At this point the most widespread species you can see is the Common Spike Rush (Eleocharis sphacelata). The seed heads at the top of the cylindrical stems provides nutrition for waterfowl. Eastern Swamphens can often be seen bending down stems to get at the seeds.

8. Birdhide
There are two birdhides along the walking tracks and boardwalk. From inside this birdhide at the end of the boardwalk many types of birds may be spotted including Black Duck, Chestnut Teal Duck, Black Swan, Ibis and Swamp Harriers. A duck hunting hide and duck nesting boxes are also visible.

Access for Dogs:

Dogs and cats are prohibited.

Note: Main photo by East Gippsland Water.