For the first time in more than 40 years the distinctive booming call of the endangered Australasian bittern has been heard at Lagoon of Islands on Tasmania’s Central Plateau.

Scientists believe there could be fewer than 1000 mature Australasian bitterns remaining in Australia, making the sighting of a breeding pair with chicks even more exciting.

Bec Sheldon is an environmental scientist and part of the team at Hydro Tasmania and its consulting arm Entura that has been restoring the unique wetlands for the past decade. They’re working with Bookend Trust’s CallTrackers to record birds in the area.

“It was a privilege hearing that booming call on the tapes. It’s been more than 40 years since bitterns have been recorded at Lagoon of Islands.

“We’re now reaping the fruits of our rehabilitation efforts, seeing this fantastic species move back in and the site become a self-sustaining, productive, natural wetland.”

Bittern expert Geoff Shannon added to the growing evidence of the bittern’s return to Lagoon of Islands, recently spotting a breeding pair with four chicks.

“One of my most exciting birding views ever - a magnificent sight.”

“It’s the best record of breeding in Tasmania we’ve had for many years I would think.”

Nicknamed the "Bunyip bird” the Australasian bittern is a large member of the heron family known for its secretive nature and camouflaged plumage, making it difficult to spot.

The Hydro Tasmania team will continue their work restoring Lagoon of Islands and will be keeping an eye and ear out for the Bunyip bird.

For images and audio of the Bittern, contact our media team.

Media contact: 0409 722 359 / media@hydro.com.au