Water is returning to Winton Wetlands after heavy rainfall, attracting an influx of birdlife including the rare white-bellied sea eagle.
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Taminick resident Emma Crameri, who photographed the wetlands at sunset, was struck by the amount of wildlife present.
“I don’t think I’ve seen so much,” she said.
“The amount of kangaroos and birds – it’s the most I’ve seen for some time.
“With the recent rain that we’ve had, a lot of the swamps have really come to life. If you can get there at sunrise or sunset, the reflections over the trees are amazing. It’s magical.”
Environmental group Winton Wetlands was able to install carp screens while the water was low to stop the pest infiltrating the ecosystem.
A causeway was also partly assembled, which once completed will enable the community to cross the wetlands to the Benalla bike paths.
Winton Wetlands chief executive Jim Grant said the area flooded annually but had not had this much water for years.
“It feels like this year is going to be the best since 2010,” he said.
“There’s a lot more water coming this time than previously.
“When we say water is coming back, it’s really setting off the ecology – but there’s not a lot of water to see from the hub yet. In the next few weeks, there will be.”
The sea eagle is common to northern parts of Australia but is rare in Victoria.
“I think there’s 100 pairs in Victoria, which is not very many,” Mr Grant said.
“They’re subject to disturbance by people, so a big area like this is very important to them.”
The water inflows will release nutrients which stimulate the growth of aquatic flora and fauna and thus food for birds.
Restoration scientist Lance Lloyd was thrilled the site was now filling, and said the last two years had seen extensive re-establishment of cane grass.
“This species provides vital water quality benefits by binding sediment and preventing muddy water and is perfect habitat for endangered and threatened birds such as the Australian Bittern and Latham's Snipe,” he said.
“It really is the boom time for wetlands and the rain is just as essential as the dry times. The filling starts a cycle of life for many wetland creatures and is an exciting time for wetland observers.”
