Mount Gravatt Environment Group

Mother of Ducks Lagoon

By: Michael Fox

Traveling  back from Armidale, NSW last week we stopped at the Mother of Ducks Lagoon in Guyra.

Yellow-billed Spoonbill Platalea flavipes

White-winged Choughs Corcorax melanorhamphos

Mother of Ducks Lagoon (McKie Drive)
“One of Guyra’s most important landmarks in Guyra is the Mother of Ducks Lagoon which is a large stretch of water 14kms in circumference, held in a silted volcanic crater.

Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus

Once a magnificent body of water large enough for boating, the lagoon has been drained for agricultural and other purposes since the turn of the century. The lagoon was partially restored as Guyra’s Bicentennial project and is once again home to a wide range of aquatic birds. Nests of black swans and a host of other water birds can be seen from the viewing platform or by walking around the bank of the reserve area.

The golf course follows its contours and the two meld comfortably into the unique landscape of Guyra. Picnic tables and toilet facilities are available next to the entrance and information stand. The lagoon is the source of Sandy/Laura creek which is known for its trout fishing.”

White-faced Heron Egretta novaehollandiae

Guyra Online

We only stopped for fifteen minutes and in that time saw a flight of what we think were White-winged Choughs Corcorax melanorhamphos. It was fascinating to watch the flock wheel over then settle in waves. We were also visited by a Yellow-billed Spoonbill Platalea flavipes,  Black-winged Stilts Himantopus himantopus, White-faced Heron Egretta novaehollandiae and Grey Teal Anas gracilis.

A great spot to stop for a picnic or afternoon tea. Only a couple of minutes  off the highway but a peaceful world away from traffic and trucks.

Grey Teal Anas gracilis