Laratinga Wetlands Mt Barker

Today I visited the Laratinga Wetlands at Mt Barker for the first time. These wetlands are on the eastern edge of the town which is about half way between Murray Bridge and Adelaide. I had driven past these wetlands several times in recent months but today was the first time I had the opportunity to stop and have a good look.

Sewage Plant

These wetlands were built by the local council and opened in 1999. They are next to the town’s sewage ponds. The treated water is circulated through the wetlands before being used for irrigation by nearby farmers. The tree planting around the wetlands have resulted in a beautiful environment. A picnic area complete with public toilets encourage people to use the area. Three environmental walks have been established around the perimeter or through the wetlands, including several boardwalks. These walks vary in distance from 0.75km to 2.2km. Walking time takes from 15 minutes to 45 minutes – for non-birders, that is. I did the 15 minute walk and it took me 50 minutes! Far too many birds to watch!

Bird List

The birding here is really wonderful with a good range of water birds to be seen in close up. The following is a list of the waterbirds I saw this afternoon:

White Ibis

White-Faced Heron

Eurasian Coot

Dusky Moorhen

Hoary Headed Grebe

Australasian Grebe

Pacific Black Duck

Hardhead

Grey Teal

Australasian Shoveler

Other species recorded were:

Little Raven

Galah

Little Corella

Red Rumped Parrot

Adelaide Rosella

Magpie-lark

Australian Magpie

Common Starling

Common Blackbird

Welcome Swallow

New Holland Honeyeater

White Plumed Honeyeater

Noisy Miner

Superb Blue Wren

Little Grassbird

Striated Pardalote