One of the most precious freshwater wetland complexes in eastern Australia, Lake Cowal, central New South Wales, is threatened with a proposed open-cut cyanide-leach mine and toxic tailings dams!
Lake Cowal is a National Estate wetland of immense biological and cultural importance. It is a major habitat for migratory and nomadic waterbirds on a national scale, a sacred place for the Wiradjuri people, and a favoured destination for many outdoor enthusiasts.
Conservation organisations, both government and community, believe that the fragile ecology of this wetland is no place for a toxic mine.
Enjoy this photographic tour of Lake Cowal, then please visit the link provided below to participate in the email campaign.
Pelicans by the flock hunting through the shallows of Lake Cowal. |
Stormclouds over a flooded Lake Cowal. |
Receding waters leave milfoil and river red gums. |
Rufous Night Herons gather near their nesting colony in flooded Lake Cowal forest. |
Sacred Ibis arrive to roost for the night, Lake Cowal. |
Family of Great Crested Grebe on Lake Cowal, one of the multitude of waterbirds which raise their young on the lake. |
Squadron of pelicans hunt in the river red gum flooded forest, Lake Cowal. |
Flock of Straw-necked Ibis wheel on thermals above the nesting colony in Lake Cowal lignum. |
Wandering Whistle Duck photographed at Lake Cowal, far from its northern habitats. The lake is a meeting place for nomadic waterbirds from all over Australia. |
The rare Freckled Duck, a frequent inhabitant of Lake Cowal. |
Male Blue-billed Ducks display during the breeding season, one of the rarer waterbird species which use Lake Cowal. |
Yellow-billed Spoonbill catches prey by feel in its special bill. |
White-necked or Pacific Heron hunts in old-growth river red gum flooded forest. |
Great Egrets hunt in the wetland shallows, along with herons, ibis and spoonbills. |
Nest and eggs of a Magpie Goose pair which nested on Lake Cowal in 1989. The lake supports unusual wildlife for its latitude. |
The rare and beautiful Superb Parrot lives in the woodlands surrounding Lake Cowal. |
Windmill in water shows the ephemeral nature of Lake Cowal, the wet and dry phases of which are both of ecological importance to the functioning of its ecosystem, and to agriculture and fisheries. |
People as well as wildlife flock to the lake to enjoy its natural values. Campers at Lake Cowal. |