That’s a flap. After five years of monitoring bird life within Archerfield Wetlands, the survey results are in.

Since July 2021, BirdLife Southern Queensland, Birds Queensland and Professor Hugh Possingham have been conducting regular bird surveys across Archerfield Wetlands to help track the health of this changing landscape.

Birds are important indicators of environmental health, and the latest survey results show that most indicator species at Archerfield Wetlands remain stable. This is a positive sign as restoration works and new visitor infrastructure continue across the parklands.

There are some encouraging highlights: black-shouldered kites appear to be increasing, with successful fledging recorded in August 2026, and Australian rufous fantails are also showing a positive trend. The wetlands continue to support abundant fairywrens and finches, which are a much-loved feature for visitors.

The results also remind us that landscape change can affect species differently. Some grassland birds appear to have declined as shrubs and trees recolonise former open grassy areas, while future surveys will help us better understand how weeding, planting and habitat restoration are influencing birdlife across specific sites.

Long-term monitoring helps us make informed decisions so Archerfield Wetlands can continue to be a place where people, wildlife and nature thrive.