The Murrumbidgee River catchment extends from the Snowy Mountains to beyond the dusty plains of Hay and includes numerous permanent and temporary wetlands. Fivebough Wetland is distinguished through recognition under the United Nation’s Ramsar Convention, which identifies sites of international importance for migratory birds. Many birds travel to Fivebough from the northern hemisphere during spring, where they stay for summer and then return to their breeding grounds in northern Australia and other islands to our north. In winter the wetlands are also home to thousands of migratory birds taking advantage of the food and shelter resources available. Over 170 different bird species have been observed at Fivebough, including seven species considered threatened in New South Wales. Of 360 wetlands surveyed within the Murray-Darling Basin, Fivebough recorded the highest number of waterbird species and it ranked second for the total number of species recorded in a single survey. Upwards of 20,000 waterbirds have been counted on several occasions, principally in summer, with the greatest count being above 50,000 birds. Despite the huge influx of international visitors each year, many residents in the nearby town of Leeton are unaware of the significant role played by “the swamp”. Fivebough was drained over a lengthy period in the mid-1900’s, impacting on black box woodland adjacent to the wetlands, and belah, saltbush and boree woodland on the higher areas. In the late 1970s Fivebough, along with nearby Tuckerbil swamp, became known for their birdwatching qualities. Sometimes brolga can be seen “dancing” at these wetlands, which also serve as a breeding site for black swans. Recorded by Jason Richardson.

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