Gerard Satherley Photography

Sewage Treatment Works as Photographic Hotspots

During my limited time photographing birds and researching locations it has become obvious the town sewage treatment works can act as a bird oasis.  In fact in times of drought they may be the only source of water for miles. I would like to build a list of these STWs and what they have to offer in terms of photographic/birding  possibilities. One of the major issues I have encountered so far is the issue of access to these areas .  I can understand why some authorities are reluctant to give full access given public liability issues. I just wish more authorities showed some flexibility when dealing with responsible birders/ photographers and saw these areas as possible attractions to their towns. At the same time as responsible people we need to make sure that we do not jeopardise the relationship build-up with various local authorities that currently do allow access.  

Anyway this is the list so far,  please contact me if you have any relevant information:

Fyshwick/Canberra.  This STW is in Dairy Road and is across the road from the Jerrabomberra Wetlands.  Access is permitted.  Limited cover so patience and bag hide would be a benift. I  have visited this site once in June 2009 and saw the following birds

Australasian Shoveler                    Hoary-headed Grebe                     Australian White Ibis

Australasian Grebe                         Pink-eared Duck                               Purple Swamphen

Warren .  The STW is on the Oxley Hwy north of Warren. No access though it is possible due to its location on the road to get close and photograph through the fence. Very little cover until you reach a small bank that borders the closest ponds. There is an adjacent reserve that is on the southern side that is also worth a visit.  I visited this site in April 2009 and saw the following birds

Pink-eared Duck                               Black Swan                                          Black-fronted Plover

Australian Hobby                             Whistling Kite                                    Red-winged Parrot

Lithgow  This STW plant is on Geordie St. on the Western out skirts of Lithgow. No access is permitted, however good viewing at least from a birders point of view can be gained from the high side of the works on the rubbish dump access road. It would be worth lobbying the local council for access as this site has potential from a photographers point of view if you could get inside the fence.

Blue-billed Duck                               Australasian Shoveler                    Pink-eared Duck

Australasian Grebe                         Hoary-headed Grebe

Tuggerah /Central Coast, NSW. This is my local. The main access is off Ibis Rd. Tuggerah, though you can also view the ponds from Canntree Rd. on the Eastern side.  Though I have never sort permission,  access appears to be allowed to this non fenced site. I will seek clarification with the operators.  I only discovered this place a month ago and have visited it twice. So far I have seen

Stilt                                                        Black-fronted Plover                      Australasian Grebe

Cormorants                                        Australasian Shoveler                    Hardhead