Birds return to Lake Cowal

At approximately 21km long, Lake Cowal is the largest natural inland lake in New South Wales. After years of drought it began filling in March this year, and native and migratory waterbirds started returning to its wetlands. Above-average rainfall throughout the winter months have now filled the ephemeral lake to 40% of its surface area

Red-necked Avocets in flight showing their unusual curved beaks. Photograph: Mal Carnegie/Lake Cowal Conservation Centre