In an area severely burned by wildfire on 16 February 1983, a study was carried out at six different
sites at six-monthly intervals from autumn 1984 (14 months post-fire) to spring 1987 (56 months
post-fire) to record the time taken for birds to re-establish populations. At ?.6 months post-fire, 84 per
cent of the eventual total of 69 species had been recorded. No specific bird lists were available for
the six sites, nor were there unburnt areas to act as controls. Comparison of population re-establishment
is made between three sites: two in this present study that most resembled a third in a more intensive
study carried out in the same district. The danger of fire is most acute for ground-dwelling species
restricted in habitat and distribution, such as Rufous Bristlebirds and Southern Emu-wrens. Their
numbers declined and their populations were slow to become re-established.

Bird species and numbers on a small estuarine wetland in south-western Victoria were recorded for six years
from 1990 to 1995 inclusive. Observations were made by telescope at least once daily and the maximum number of
birds was recorded each half-month. Note was taken of the water level. Some seasonality and a preference for low
to medium water levels was shown. This permanent wetland is important for its aesthetic value, as a foraging area
and as a refuge in times of drought.