Bird Island Nature Reserve facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bird Island Nature ReserveNew South Wales |
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IUCN Category Ia (Strict Nature Reserve)
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 Bird Island Nature Reserve
Location in New South Wales
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| Nearest town or city | Budgewoi |
| Established | June 1960 |
| Visitation | less than 10 |
| Managing authorities | NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service |
| Website | Bird Island Nature Reserve |
| See also | Protected areas of New South Wales |
The Bird Island Nature Reserve is a special protected area. It is located near Lake Munmorah on the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia. This island is about 1.4 kilometres (0.87 mi) away from the mainland. It sits in the Tasman Sea, which is part of the Pacific Ocean. You can often see the island from the lighthouse at Norah Head.
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About Bird Island
Bird Island is a rocky island that rises about 20 metres (66 ft) above the sea. Its steep cliffs make it hard to reach by boat. Thousands of years ago, this island was actually connected to the Australian mainland. But as sea levels rose, it became separated.
The rocks on the island are sedimentary rocks. These rocks formed from layers of sand and mud over a very long time. The island is mostly round in shape. It is not more than 260 metres (850 ft) long at its widest point.
Amazing Animals of Bird Island
Bird Island is a safe home for many creatures. No animals that don't naturally belong here have been found.
Birds of the Island
More than twenty different kinds of birds have been seen on Bird Island. It is a very important breeding spot for some seabirds. Up to 7,000 pairs of wedge-tailed shearwaters and short-tailed shearwaters come here to lay their eggs.
Some special birds live here, like the sooty oystercatcher. This bird is considered a threatened species. Other birds you might see include the ruddy turnstone and the eastern curlew. There are also whimbrels, bar-tailed godwits, and red-necked stints.
Seabirds like the Arctic jaeger, Caspian tern, and common tern visit the island. You might also spot the white-fronted tern and the white-faced storm petrel. Larger birds like the eastern reef egret and the little penguin also call the island home. Black cormorants, little black cormorants, and white-breasted sea eagles are often seen. Even whistling kites and little terns fly around.
Land birds, such as the Australian raven and welcome swallow, have been recorded. A pair of peregrine falcons also live and breed on the island. They often hunt young white-faced storm petrels for food.
Lizards on Bird Island
Two types of lizards have been found on the island. One is a type of skink, which is a small, smooth-scaled lizard. The other is the jacky lizard. This lizard is quite unique because it has an unusual pink mouth!
Plants of Bird Island
The island has two main types of plant areas. One is a low, open heathland. Here you can find plants like tree broom heath. There is also a special kind of Sydney golden wattle. Other plants include tuckeroo and the coastal tea tree.
In areas more open to the wind and sea, you will find different plants. These include pigface, which has thick, fleshy leaves. There is also a type of tussock grass and a tall form of Lomandra.
Island Weeds
Even though Bird Island is isolated, some unwanted plants, called weeds, have appeared. These include bitou bush and prickly pear. You might also see inkweed and trad.
The bitou bush can get diseases, which helps to control it. The prickly pear can spread quickly and take over areas where birds like to nest. To help stop the prickly pear, scientists use a tiny insect called the Cochineal insect. This insect eats the prickly pear, helping to keep the island healthy for the birds.
Ocean Life Around the Island
The shallow waters near Bird Island are full of marine life. You can find colorful blue groper fish and Port Jackson sharks. Stingrays and cuttlefish also swim in these waters. Many different reef fish and other sea creatures live in the rocky areas and caves around the island.
Larger animals like dolphins, seals, and turtles are often seen near the island. If you visit at the right time of year, you might even see Humpback whales. They swim past the island during their long journey to and from Antarctica each year.
Shipwrecks Near Bird Island
Over the years, a few ships have been wrecked at or near Bird Island. Some of these include the Adelaide and the Allenwood.
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