Local birdwatchers and tourists will once again be able to witness the stunning birdlife on show at the Waterbird Lagoon at the Gwydir Wetlands State Conservation Area, which has reopened to the public for the autumn season.
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Despite being impacted by fire in September last year, National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) area manager Martin Linehan said the wetlands have benefitted greatly from the recent rain.
"Our monitoring has found that birdlife in particular has rebounded spectacularly," he said.
The lagoon, which only opens to visitors for a limited time each autumn and spring, is currently open until Sunday, May 31.
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"The Bunnor Bird Hide, situated next to the Waterbird Lagoon, provides a great vantage point to spot waterbirds such as egrets, spoonbills, ibis, stilts, and ducks including pink-eared ducks and if you're lucky, you may even spot the threatened freckled duck," Mr Linehan said.
"You can either stay dry in the bird hide, bring a kayak, or come prepared to wade in the lagoon."
Since records began in the 1920s, at least 75 waterbird species have been recorded in the Gwydir Wetlands including colonies of straw-necked ibis, intermediate egrets, glossy ibis and nankeen night-herons.
Access to the lagoon is available from dawn to dusk during dry weather. No overnight camping is permitted on the State Conservation Area, however there are facilities close by that can be booked at a local property called Boyanga South.
The Gwydir Wetlands can be accessed via the Watercourse Road, about 60 kilometres west of Moree.
People wanting to visit these, or any other national parks should check the website www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au for the latest updates.
Tourism Moree office also provides information on road conditions, local birdlife and the Gwydir Wetlands at www.moreetourism.com.au.
