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The Diversion Basin
Aquatic and plant life
The Diversion Basin contains fresh water from inland waterways and sea water from the Patawalonga Lake. The volumes of fresh water and salt water constantly change in this area.
Plants play an important role in this environment, providing shelter and food for birds and fish. Reeds can also help break down pollutants in the water.
Many coastal plants can tolerate both salt and freshwater conditions, while the marine fish flushed into the Pat from the ocean prefer the brackish waters.
Dolphins often travel the entire length of the Patawalonga Lake to the North Gates to fish, but they are not known to enter Diversion Basin.
Birds of the Patawalonga
The Diversion Basin and adjacent areas are important remnants of once extensive wetlands known as The Reedbeds. Prior to European settlement, over 200 species of birds lived in these wetlands.
Clearance of woodlands and draining of swamps for agriculture, and later suburbia, make these remnant wetlands and open spaces very precious.
While many birds have disappeared from the region, we can still enjoy the ducks, waders, cormorants, terns, grebes and other waterbirds that call this area home.
The most notable birds are the Australian Pelican, frequently seen perched on the boom near Tapleys Hill Road, the stately White faced Heron and the magnificent white Eastern Great Egret. The egret and heron are often seen stalking fish at the water’s edge.
The Diversion Basin
Aquatic and plant life
The Diversion Basin contains fresh water from inland waterways and sea water from the Patawalonga Lake. The volumes of fresh water and salt water constantly change in this area.Plants play an important role in this environment, providing shelter and food for birds and fish. Reeds can also help break down pollutants in the water.
Many coastal plants can tolerate both salt and freshwater conditions, while the marine fish flushed into the Pat from the ocean prefer the brackish waters.
Dolphins often travel the entire length of the Patawalonga Lake to the North Gates to fish, but they are not known to enter Diversion Basin.
Birds of the Patawalonga
The Diversion Basin and adjacent areas are important remnants of once extensive wetlands known as The Reedbeds. Prior to European settlement, over 200 species of birds lived in these wetlands.Clearance of woodlands and draining of swamps for agriculture, and later suburbia, make these remnant wetlands and open spaces very precious.
While many birds have disappeared from the region, we can still enjoy the ducks, waders, cormorants, terns, grebes and other waterbirds that call this area home.
The most notable birds are the Australian Pelican, frequently seen perched on the boom near Tapleys Hill Road, the stately White faced Heron and the magnificent white Eastern Great Egret. The egret and heron are often seen stalking fish at the water’s edge.
Keep in mind when watching dolphins

Birds of the Patawalonga
Australian PelicanListen for the distinctive sound of a pelican landing on the water with its legs extended. Pelicans can be seen feeding in the lake, sometime foraging in groups and plunging their beaks into the water to scoop up fish.
White-faced HeronYou may see the this heron flushing out prey by stirring the water with its foot or raking the water’s surface.
Hoary-headed GrebesLook out for grebes popping up to the surface after diving deep to catch small crabs.
Nankeen Night HeronsForaging from dusk to dawn, these herons may dive feet first to catch their prey or vibrate their bills in the water to attract prey.
Little Pied CormorantCormorants will chase their prey underwater by propelling themselves forward with their feet.
White-faced HeronYou may see the this heron flushing out prey by stirring the water with its foot or raking the water’s surface.
Hoary-headed GrebesLook out for grebes popping up to the surface after diving deep to catch small crabs.
Nankeen Night HeronsForaging from dusk to dawn, these herons may dive feet first to catch their prey or vibrate their bills in the water to attract prey.
Little Pied CormorantCormorants will chase their prey underwater by propelling themselves forward with their feet.

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