Wildlife at Herdsman Lake

Herdsman Lake contains one of the most varied and easily observable waterbird fauna of any lake in southwestern Australia.

Perhaps the best location to view these birds is from the observation deck inside the Herdsman Lake Discovery Centre, (supported by the WA Gould League).

Deep and shallow water, seasonally inundated areas, grassy banks, dense stands of rushes, and trees all create a wide range of habitats for waterbirds to live in.

More than 160 species of bird have been recorded at Herdsman Lake. Some of the most common birds include:

• Black Swan

• Pacific Black Duck

• Australasian Swamphen

• Little Grassbird

• Australian Reed Warbler

• Great Crested Grebe

• Eurasian Coot

Black Swan with 2 juveniles at Herdsman Lake. Photo credit: ebird.org

Sadly, no mammals have been seen at Herdsman Lake since the 1960s. The lake supported a population of kangaroos until the early 1950s. The area was previously also home to quendas, brushtail possums, and western brush wallabies.

Tiger snakes, frogs, and various lizards are also seen regularly at Herdsman Lake. The most prominent plant in the lake is the introduced Typha rush (Typha orientalis). As seen from aerial photographs, about 80% of the lake is covered with this type of bulrush.

Freshwater paperbarks and swamp banksias are common trees around the lake.

Herdsman Lake has survived substantial modification over the last 100 years. Credit must be given to the relevant planning groups for restoring the area into a remarkable, natural environment that balances human use and conservation.

Herdsman Lake with Typha rush, early morning (December 2024).