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Garganey (Spatula querquedula)

The Garganey is a small, highly migratory dabbling duck that visits freshwater wetlands across parts of Australia, including New South Wales, the Northern Territory, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia. Wetland filling, drainage, vegetation removal, disturbance and changes to water levels can affect birds using a site, and the species is protected as a migratory species under the EPBC Act and international agreements.

Conservation status

Commonwealth, EPBC Act 1999: Listed migratory. Listed under the Bonn Convention, CAMBA, JAMBA and ROKAMBA. Listed migratory species are a matter of national environmental significance, so a significant impact needs referral.

Queensland, Nature Conservation Act 1992: Special least concern. A least concern bird covered by an international migratory bird agreement. Tampering with its breeding place needs a high risk species management program.

Western Australia, Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016: Specially protected (migratory).

Migration and breeding season

The Garganey is an uncommon but regular summer visitor to Australia. Arrival and departure timing varies between years and regions, so suitable freshwater wetlands should be checked from early spring through autumn, especially where birds are resting or feeding in groups.

Breeding mode: Ground nesting, usually in single pairs or small groups.

Clutch size: 8 to 12 eggs.

Incubation: Around 24 days.

Young: Precocial. Ducklings can move and feed soon after hatching, and become independent at around 50 days.

Nest site: A shallow depression in the ground, usually under rushes or tall grass. Nests are generally within 20 m of water and rarely more than 150 m away.

Age at maturity: Not recorded.

Breeding frequency: Not recorded.

Seasonal timing can shift with rainfall, wetland conditions and migration pathways, so site inspections should confirm current use rather than relying on calendar dates alone.

  • Breeding overseas, Europe and Asia: Breeding occurs overseas in shallow freshwater wetlands, grassland and marshes, with breeding activity reported mainly in April and May in the Northern Hemisphere.
  • Southward arrival in Australia: Arrival from northern breeding areas is expected mainly from early spring to late spring, with timing varying between regions and years.
  • Non-breeding presence in Australia: The Garganey uses Australia mainly as a non-breeding summer destination, favouring well-vegetated freshwater wetlands, shallow lakes, marshes, dams and sewage ponds.
  • Northward departure from Australia: Most birds are expected to depart during autumn for breeding areas in Europe and Asia, although passage timing can be prolonged.
  • Highest clearing risk: Clearing or construction near occupied wetlands has the greatest risk during the Australian presence period, particularly when birds are concentrated for feeding, resting or passage.

Identification: Appearance

The Garganey is a small duck with a slender body and a short, pointed bill. It can be shy and may leave a wetland quickly when approached or disturbed.

The adult male has a brown head and breast, a broad white crescent above the eye, and mainly grey plumage. A pale blue speculum with a white border is visible in flight.

Females are brown, with a pale eyebrow, dark eye line and stronger facial markings than a female Common Teal.

Flight: Fast and twisting, with an easy rise from the water.

Other features: White tertial edges and a pale blue wing panel may be visible when the bird is swimming or flying.

Identification: Calls and similar species

The species produces whistles and trills during mating displays and territorial behaviour. Call recognition can assist with identification, but visual confirmation is preferred for site records.

Female Garganeys can be confused with female Common Teal or Blue-winged Teal.

  • Garganey females have stronger facial markings than female Common Teal.
  • Blue-winged Teal has different head and bill shape and yellow legs.

Identification: Field signs

Look for the bird on shallow water, along wetland edges or in dense emergent vegetation. It may be recorded singly, in pairs, in small groups or in mixed flocks with other ducks.

There are no reliable species-specific droppings, odour, stains or whitewash signs for use during clearing inspections. A ground nest is relevant mainly on overseas breeding grounds, rather than as an expected Australian site sign.

  • Use binoculars or a spotting scope from a stationary position where possible.
  • Record calls, flight features, flock size, location and wetland conditions.
  • Avoid relying on a brief view of a brown female duck for identification.

Distribution: Australian range

The Garganey breeds widely across Europe and Asia and migrates over long distances. In Australia, it is an uncommon but regular visitor during the warmer part of the year.

The species has been mapped in New South Wales, the Northern Territory, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia. Records are associated with suitable freshwater wetland environments rather than a continuous distribution across these jurisdictions.

Local occurrence may be temporary and depends on water availability, wetland condition and seasonal movement.

  • Freshwater lakes and marshes.
  • Shallow floodplains and dams.
  • Sewage ponds and other constructed wetlands.
  • Wet grasslands and flooded fields.

Distribution: Overseas range

Breeding occurs across much of Europe and the Palearctic, including shallow vegetated ponds, lakes, marshes and wet grasslands. Non-breeding areas include Africa, southern and eastern Asia, and Australasia.

The species is highly migratory and travels on a broad front. It may use coastal lagoons, saltmarshes and open water during passage.

Distribution: Likelihood on a work site

A site is more likely to support Garganeys when it contains shallow freshwater, open water for resting, and well-developed fringing or emergent vegetation. A dry, heavily disturbed site with no suitable wetland is less likely to support the species.

Desktop records and local wetland observations should be checked before clearing or construction begins.

Legal status: Migratory under the EPBC Act and listed under international migratory bird agreements, including Bonn, CAMBA, JAMBA and ROKAMBA.

Habitat: Wetland features

Garganeys use a range of shallow wetland habitats during migration and the non-breeding season. On Australian sites, focus the assessment on wetlands that provide both feeding areas and secure daytime resting areas.

Look for shallow freshwater lakes, marshes, floodplains, dams, pans, sewage ponds and flooded grassland. The species can also use occasionally brackish lakes, coastal lagoons and saltmarsh during passage.

Wetlands with floating, emergent and fringing vegetation are particularly relevant.

  • Shallow margins and exposed mud or wet grass.
  • Open water beside dense vegetation.
  • Seasonally inundated depressions and floodplain channels.
  • Water treatment ponds and irrigation wetlands.

Habitat: Vegetation and surrounding land

Suitable sites may have rushes, sedges, grasses, bulrushes and other emergent plants. Grassland beside shallow water can provide feeding and cover.

Surrounding agricultural land, irrigated fields and constructed wetland margins may also be used where water and vegetation remain available.

Habitat: Site assessment

Inspect the full wetland edge, not just the main open-water area. Birds may remain concealed in vegetation or move between nearby ponds, flooded grassland and open water.

Assess water depth, vegetation cover, connectivity between wetland areas, disturbance levels and likely refuge areas before finalising clearing limits.

Foraging habitat: Feeding areas

Garganeys feed in shallow water and along vegetated wetland edges. They forage both during the day and at night, so daytime absence does not confirm that a wetland is unused.

Likely feeding areas include shallow marshes, pond margins, flooded fields, shallow lakes, dams and wet grassland. The species often feeds by skimming rather than by upending like some other ducks.

Maintain links between open water, shallow margins and emergent vegetation during works.

  • Shallow water with aquatic plants.
  • Mud and wet grass margins.
  • Vegetated edges with aquatic invertebrates.
  • Flooded fields and irrigation areas.

Foraging habitat: Diet

The diet includes aquatic insects and larvae, molluscs, crustaceans, worms, leeches, small fish, frog material, seeds, roots, tubers, stems, leaves and buds.

During the non-breeding season, plant foods and seeds commonly form a larger part of the diet.

Foraging habitat: Field procedure

Use binoculars or a spotting scope to scan shallow margins and vegetation from outside the wetland where practical. Avoid repeated flushing, as birds may leave the site and become difficult to detect.

Where works may affect a wetland, map feeding areas separately from open-water resting areas and include both in the impact assessment.

Breeding habitat: Breeding habitat overseas

The Garganey breeds in Europe and Asia. Australian records generally relate to migration or the non-breeding season, but wetland disturbance should still be managed carefully because suitable habitat can support resting and feeding birds.

Breeding habitat includes small, shallow ponds and lakes with abundant floating, emergent and fringing vegetation. It also includes swampy meadows, flooded fields, shallow freshwater marshes and grassland beside water.

Vegetation is usually substantial but not excessively tall or dense.

Breeding habitat: Nest location

Nests are depressions in the ground, usually under rushes or tall grass such as manna grass. They are generally within 20 m of water and rarely more than 150 m away.

The species may breed as single pairs or in small groups. Colony breeding is not typical.

Nest type: A ground depression concealed under rushes or tall grass.

Nest distance from water: Usually within 20 m, and rarely more than 150 m.

Breeding habitat: Works guidance

Before clearing wetland margins, check for concealed ground-nesting waterbirds where the habitat and season make breeding plausible. Use a qualified ecologist when a suspected nest, brood or breeding place is found.

Do not enter dense wetland vegetation unnecessarily. Establish a site-specific exclusion area around any active nest or dependent young, based on the species present, terrain and likely disturbance.

Sheltering habitat: Resting areas

Migrating Garganeys rest on open water during the day and may use marine inshore waters while travelling. On Australian sites, secure open water beside wetland vegetation is often more useful than dense cover alone.

Look for open water on large freshwater lakes, shallow dams, floodplain wetlands, pans, sewage ponds and occasionally brackish lakes. Birds may rest away from the edge during daylight and move to shallow areas to feed.

Marine inshore waters, coastal lagoons and saltmarsh can be used during passage.

Sheltering habitat: Cover and refuge

Fringing rushes, sedges, grasses and emergent plants can provide concealment from people, vehicles and predators. Retain a range of vegetation densities, including open water beside low and moderate cover.

Avoid isolating a wetland from nearby flooded grassland, ponds or drainage lines that may be used as alternative refuge.

Sheltering habitat: Disturbance control

Plan vehicle movements, piling, earthworks and aircraft activity to keep disturbance away from occupied wetlands where practicable. Use existing access routes and avoid repeated flushing of birds.

If birds repeatedly leave a wetland during works, stop and reassess the activity, timing, access route and available refuge habitat.

Migration and seasonal presence: Seasonal presence in Australia

The Garganey is an uncommon but regular summer visitor to Australia. Exact arrival and departure dates vary between wetlands, so local records and current observations should guide survey timing and work planning.

Treat Australian presence as seasonal, with birds most likely during the Australian summer and during associated passage. Survey planning should cover the period when suitable wetlands hold water and migratory ducks are present locally.

Do not assume that an empty wetland is unused from one visit. Garganeys can be mobile, inconspicuous and sensitive to disturbance.

Australian arrival and departure: Use local records to confirm the arrival and departure period. A single Australia-wide month range is not appropriate for all sites.

  • Check local bird records and wetland monitoring data.
  • Inspect connected wetlands and nearby floodplain areas.
  • Repeat observations when the proposed works could affect a wetland.

Migration and seasonal presence: Migration route and timing

The species breeds in Europe and Asia and spends the non-breeding season in Africa, Asia and Australasia. Autumn migration in the Northern Hemisphere begins in late July and commonly peaks in August or early September in Europe and Egypt.

Spring migration begins in February, with birds arriving on breeding grounds from mid-March to early May. These broad dates describe overseas migration and should not be treated as Australian arrival or departure dates.

Migration and seasonal presence: Important habitat in Australia

For project assessment, important habitat includes wetlands that regularly provide shallow freshwater, open-water resting areas, vegetated margins and nearby flooded grassland or floodplain habitat. Wetlands used repeatedly by migratory waterbirds, or that connect several feeding and resting areas, warrant particular attention.

Internationally and nationally important wetland thresholds are available for waterbirds and migratory shorebirds. The general thresholds cited for migratory shorebirds should not be applied to the Garganey without confirming that they are relevant to this species and assessment.

EPBC Act trigger: Actions likely to have a significant impact on the species may require referral under the EPBC Act.

Queensland requirement: In Queensland, this is a special least concern animal. Tampering with its breeding place requires a high risk species management program.

  • Map the wetland and its seasonal expansion area.
  • Record Garganey numbers, other waterbird numbers, habitat condition and disturbance.
  • Consider cumulative impacts where several wetlands in the same movement area may be affected.

Threats: Drainage and habitat loss

Most development risks arise from loss or disturbance of wetland habitat. Manage the wetland, its margins and nearby refuge areas as one functional site rather than treating open water alone as the habitat.

Wetland drainage, filling, reclamation and conversion to reservoirs can remove feeding and resting areas. Clearing emergent vegetation can also reduce cover and food availability.

Avoid unnecessary disturbance to shallow margins, floodplain depressions and wet grassland connected to the main wetland.

  • Keep plant and machinery out of wetland margins where possible.
  • Use clearly marked clearing limits.
  • Retain wetland connectivity and seasonal inundation areas.

Threats: Hydrology and water quality

Changes to inflows, drainage, water levels or floodplain connection can reduce the shallow water and vegetation structure used by Garganeys. Sediment, pollutants and poor water quality can reduce aquatic food resources.

Design drainage, crossings and dewatering so that wetland water regimes are not changed unnecessarily.

Threats: Disturbance and displacement

Noise, lighting, vehicles, aircraft, people and repeated flushing can displace birds from feeding and resting areas. Disturbance can be more significant when alternative wetlands are dry, isolated or already occupied.

Use low-disturbance access routes, limit unnecessary activity at wetland edges and monitor bird responses during works.

Threats: Seasonal management and compliance

Schedule high-disturbance activities outside periods of local Garganey use where practicable. Before works begin, confirm whether the site supports a listed migratory species and whether the action could have a significant impact.

In Queensland, do not tamper with a suspected breeding place without the required approval and a high risk species management program. Escalate any suspected nest, brood or repeated use of a wetland to the project ecologist.

Survey methodology: 1. Desktop assessment

The Garganey is an uncommon but regular summer visitor to Australia. It uses shallow, vegetated freshwater wetlands and may be difficult to detect when concealed at wetland edges. Survey effort should focus on suitable habitat and likely passage or summer use.

Map all shallow freshwater wetlands, marshes, flooded areas, shallow dams, pans, sewage ponds and well-vegetated drainage features within and near the project area.

Include nearby freshwater lakes, floodplains, coastal lagoons, saltmarsh and other shallow wetlands that could be used during passage or for daytime resting.

Check current records in NatureMap, the Protected Matters Search Tool, state databases and local waterbird records. Review recent rainfall, wetland condition and seasonal water levels before finalising survey locations.

Treat a wetland as potentially important where it regularly supports the Garganey or other migratory waterbirds. Internationally important wetland thresholds include 1% of a population of one waterbird species or at least 20,000 waterbirds. National thresholds for migratory shorebirds include 0.1% of a flyway population, 2,000 migratory shorebirds or 15 migratory shorebird species. These thresholds are not species-specific thresholds for the Garganey and should not be applied without expert review.

  • Record the wetland type, water depth, vegetation, open water, mudflats, nearby grassland and disturbance sources.
  • Identify whether the project could affect feeding areas, resting areas, wetland edges, access to water or connected wetlands.

Survey methodology: 2. Timing and conditions

Plan surveys when wetlands hold water and birds are most likely to be using them. The Garganey is a summer visitor in Australia, but Australian arrival and departure months are not established for this species.

Allow for passage use in spring and autumn. Globally, autumn migration begins in late July and spring migration begins in February. These broad movements do not set Australian survey dates.

Use early morning and late afternoon observations where practical, with an additional quiet period during the day for birds resting on open water. Avoid surveys during heavy rain, strong winds, poor visibility, high heat or conditions that cause widespread disturbance.

A February survey and an April survey were used for waterbirds in one assessment. Use repeat visits where habitat is suitable, water levels change, or the first visit is affected by weather or disturbance.

  • Survey from a stationary ground position before approaching the wetland.
  • Repeat the survey after rainfall or wetland filling if the initial visit was made when suitable habitat was dry.
  • Coordinate any aerial inspection with the site ecologist and avoid unnecessary flushing.

Survey methodology: 3. Detection method

Scan the full wetland from left to right using binoculars and a spotting scope. Check open water, emergent vegetation, floating vegetation, shallow margins, flooded grassland and nearby cover.

Use quiet observation, visual identification and call recognition. Look for a small dabbling duck with a fast, twisting flight, especially when birds leave cover or move between wetland sections.

Female Garganeys can be confused with female common teal and blue-winged teal. Confirm identification using several features, including the stronger facial markings and the shape of the head and bill.

Search nearby open water and marine inshore areas where migrating birds may rest during the day. Do not rely only on a count from the first visible wetland edge.

  • Use a spotting scope for distant birds and binoculars for initial detection.
  • Record birds before moving closer or changing position.
  • Use photographs or sound recordings where identification is uncertain, provided this does not increase disturbance.

Survey methodology: 4. Records and reporting

Record the date, start and finish time, observers, weather, visibility, water level, survey route and survey effort. Record the location of every Garganey observation on a map or GPS device.

Record the number of birds, sex and age where possible, behaviour, flight direction, feeding, resting, courtship, nesting behaviour and associations with other waterbirds.

Describe the habitat used, including open water, shallow margins, emergent or floating vegetation, grassland, floodplain, dam, sewage pond, lagoon or other wetland type.

Record any flushing, aircraft activity, vehicles, machinery, dogs, people, lighting or other disturbance that may have affected detection.

  • Submit significant records to the relevant state database and project fauna register.
  • Report uncertain records to a suitably experienced waterbird ecologist for confirmation.
  • Retain original photographs, call recordings, field sheets and GPS data.

Before habitat disturbance: 1. Approvals and permits

Avoid wetland impacts wherever practicable. Confirm the legal pathway before clearing or construction, then use a site-specific plan that protects wetland habitat, birds and access to water.

Screen the proposal under the EPBC Act because the Garganey is a listed migratory species and is a matter of national environmental significance. Refer the action where it is likely to have a significant impact on the species or its important habitat.

In Queensland, treat the Garganey as a special least concern animal because it is a least concern bird covered by JAMBA, CAMBA, ROKAMBA or the Bonn Convention. Obtain a high risk species management program before tampering with a breeding place where the Queensland requirements apply.

Check state and territory wildlife legislation, permits and approval conditions before survey, handling, capture, exclusion, relocation or damage to habitat. Confirm that all fauna spotter catchers hold the required authority for the jurisdiction and task.

Make the approval conditions, permit conditions, maps and contact details available to the clearing supervisor, fauna spotter catcher and construction manager.

  • Obtain written environmental approval before clearing starts.
  • Confirm whether the action affects a listed migratory species, wetland, breeding place or protected habitat.
  • Escalate any uncertainty to the project ecologist and the relevant regulator before work proceeds.

Before habitat disturbance: 2. Avoidance and site layout

Retain shallow freshwater wetlands, wetland edges, emergent and floating vegetation, adjacent grassland and natural water connections wherever possible.

Keep access tracks, stockpiles, laydown areas, spoil, sediment controls and lighting outside wetland habitat. Prevent changes to drainage, water levels and the duration of inundation.

Protect nearby shallow floodplains, dams, pans, sewage ponds, coastal lagoons and other wetlands that may be used during passage or the non-breeding season.

Set buffers from the wetland edge and any active bird concentration using the project ecologist's risk assessment and approval conditions. Do not apply a generic buffer where the wetland is connected to a larger feeding or resting area.

  • Fence approved no-go areas before machinery arrives.
  • Mark wetland boundaries and access restrictions on site plans and in the field.
  • Use sediment, erosion and spill controls that prevent material entering water.

Before habitat disturbance: 3. Pre-clearance survey

Complete a pre-clearance inspection of all vegetation, wetland margins, access routes and adjacent grassland that will be disturbed. Survey immediately before works where there is a risk that birds have moved into the area since the baseline survey.

Search for Garganeys on open water, in dense wetland vegetation, on shallow margins and in nearby cover. Check the full area from a quiet position before walking the boundary.

Look for groups of several hundred on passage and larger flocks in suitable non-breeding habitat. Confirm whether birds are feeding, resting, moving through or showing breeding behaviour.

The Garganey generally breeds in Europe and Asia and is considered a summer visitor in Australia. If courtship, nesting or dependent young are observed in Australia, stop the relevant activity and obtain specialist and regulatory advice.

  • Map all observations and the habitat used.
  • Search at a time when waterbirds can be seen clearly and avoid flushing birds before the count is complete.
  • Repeat the inspection if wetland conditions or the work footprint changes.

Before habitat disturbance: 4. Timing, exclusion and induction

Schedule wetland disturbance outside periods of known Garganey use where the risk assessment supports this. Because Australian arrival and departure months are not established, use local records, rainfall, water levels and survey results to set the work window.

Do not drain, fill, isolate or clear a wetland while Garganeys or other migratory waterbirds are using it unless the action is approved and the required controls are in place.

Use temporary exclusion fencing only where it will keep people and machinery away without blocking birds from water, food or safe flight paths. Do not use fencing to trap birds.

Induct all workers on the species' migratory status, wetland habitat, no-go areas, stop-work process, lighting controls, spill response and reporting requirements.

  • Display photographs or identification guidance at the site office where misidentification is possible.
  • Nominate the fauna spotter catcher with authority to stop work.
  • Brief subcontractors before each new work front starts.

During habitat disturbance: 1. Sequential clearing

Use a staged and closely supervised clearing sequence. The fauna spotter catcher must be able to stop work immediately when a bird, breeding place, roost or unexpected wetland impact is identified.

Clear from the least sensitive area towards retained habitat, leaving a clear escape route to open water or suitable cover. Do not surround birds with machinery, fencing, vehicles or stockpiles.

Work in small, defined stages. Inspect each stage before machinery enters and again after vegetation or debris has been moved.

Keep machinery out of water and wetland margins unless the approved method specifically requires access. Maintain water quality, drainage and safe movement between connected wetland areas.

Stop work during unexpected flooding, bird concentration, injury, chemical spill or any change that could increase the impact on migratory waterbirds.

  • Use one clearly marked work front at a time where practicable.
  • Maintain communication between the spotter catcher, operator and supervisor.
  • Record the area cleared, time, equipment and fauna observations for each stage.

During habitat disturbance: 2. Authority to stop and handling

The fauna spotter catcher has authority to stop work and must use it whenever a Garganey or other protected fauna is at risk.

Only authorised and appropriately trained people may catch, handle, contain, transport or release a bird. Do not chase, herd or handle a Garganey without a clear welfare, permit and approval basis.

Allow an uninjured bird to leave naturally where this can be done safely. Reduce noise, withdraw machinery and provide a clear route to water or cover.

If capture is required, use the least stressful method that is authorised for the site. Keep handling time short and prevent overheating, crushing, drowning and escape.

  • Keep people and machinery back while the bird is assessed.
  • Do not pass a bird to untrained workers or members of the public.
  • Follow the permit holder's instructions for containment, transport and release.

During habitat disturbance: 3. Breeding places, colonies and roosts

Stop work if an active nest, dependent young, breeding behaviour, colony, roost or large concentration is found. Establish a temporary exclusion area based on the habitat, activity, disturbance source and approval conditions.

Do not enter, clear, drain, fill or disturb the exclusion area until the project ecologist and relevant authority confirm the next step.

The species usually nests on the ground near water in breeding areas overseas. Treat dense rushes, tall grass and wet meadow margins as potential nesting cover if breeding behaviour is observed in Australia.

Protect open water and daytime resting areas during migration. Large flocks may contain several hundred birds on passage or several thousand in non-breeding areas.

  • Mark the exclusion area clearly and brief all crews.
  • Use a qualified ecologist to inspect the area and determine whether activity is active.
  • Document the decision, authority, controls, photographs and release or work conditions.

During habitat disturbance: 4. Injured or distressed animals

Stop nearby work and remove immediate hazards. Keep people, dogs and machinery away from the bird.

Contact the project fauna supervisor, authorised wildlife carer or veterinarian through the approved project pathway. State wildlife rescue or regulator contacts must be available in the site emergency plan.

Do not give food or water, attempt treatment or release an injured bird unless directed by an appropriately authorised person.

For a bird affected by contamination, use the approved spill and wildlife response procedure. Prevent further entry to the affected water or sediment.

  • Record the location, condition, apparent cause, photographs and person taking custody.
  • Use a quiet, secure and appropriately ventilated container only when directed and authorised.
  • Notify the project manager and ecologist before work resumes in the affected area.

During habitat disturbance: 5. Records and stop-work events

Record every sighting, flush, handling event, injury, mortality, stop-work direction, exclusion area and change to the approved method.

Include the date, time, GPS location, number of birds, behaviour, habitat, weather, disturbance source, people involved and action taken.

Report any suspected breach of an approval, permit or management plan promptly to the project manager, ecologist and relevant authority.

Retain records with the project's environmental compliance documentation and update the fauna risk register.

  • Use a standard fauna incident form for each event.
  • Attach photographs, maps and permit references.
  • Review whether additional survey or revised controls are needed before restarting work.

After habitat disturbance: 1. Post-clearance inspection

A wetland can remain hazardous after machinery leaves. Complete a formal check, confirm that controls remain effective and track any displaced or relocated animals through the approved process.

Inspect the cleared area, wetland edge, retained vegetation and escape routes after each work stage. Look for stranded, injured, trapped or newly attracted birds.

Check excavations, trenches, pits, pipes, tanks, silt fences and temporary structures for trapped fauna. Provide safe escape routes or covers where required by the site fauna plan.

Confirm that no spoil, sediment, fuel, concrete washout, rubbish or other material has entered water or blocked movement between wetland areas.

Complete a final inspection before demobilising fauna controls or opening the area to unrestricted construction access.

  • Inspect at the end of each clearing shift where fauna risk is high.
  • Record negative findings as well as animals found.
  • Escalate any bird remaining in the work area to the fauna spotter catcher.

After habitat disturbance: 2. Relocated animals

Release an uninjured relocated Garganey only under the direction of the authorised person and in accordance with the permit and management plan.

Use suitable nearby habitat with open water, shallow vegetated margins and minimal immediate disturbance. Do not release a bird into an isolated waterbody, unsafe work area or location that cannot support the bird's movement.

Record the release location, time, condition, method, handler and any identification mark or photograph. Avoid repeated capture or relocation if the bird can move away safely.

Do not assume that a relocated bird has left the project area. Check nearby water, wetland edges and flight paths after release.

  • Keep the release site free of machinery, people and dogs.
  • Tell the construction supervisor where the bird was released and what controls remain necessary.
  • Follow any post-release monitoring or reporting condition attached to the permit.

After habitat disturbance: 3. Monitoring and reporting

Monitor retained and restored wetland habitat where the project risk assessment or approval requires it. Use repeat waterbird observations to identify continued use, disturbance or changes in water condition.

Record Garganey presence, flock size, habitat use, feeding, resting, flight direction and responses to construction activity.

Report survey results, incidents, injuries, mortalities, relocations, permit actions and corrective measures to the project manager, ecologist and relevant regulator where required.

Compare post-work results with the pre-clearance baseline and investigate any decline in habitat use or wetland condition.

  • Set monitoring dates around local wetland conditions and observed use rather than relying only on calendar dates.
  • Use the same observation points and methods where practical.
  • Keep all monitoring data with the project environmental records.

After habitat disturbance: 4. Incident review

Review every stop-work event, injury, mortality, unauthorised disturbance, failed exclusion or unexpected concentration of birds.

Identify whether the cause was a survey gap, poor communication, changed wetland conditions, equipment failure, inadequate fencing, lighting or an incorrect work sequence.

Update the fauna management plan, induction, maps, survey timing and control measures before the next work stage.

Notify the approval holder and relevant authority where the event triggers a reporting condition.

  • Hold the review with the spotter catcher, supervisor, operator and ecologist.
  • Assign corrective actions to named people with completion dates.
  • Do not close the incident until the corrective action has been checked in the field.

Rehabilitation actions: 1. Restore wetland structure

Rehabilitation should restore the wetland functions used by the Garganey, not just replace vegetation. Focus on shallow freshwater habitat, water quality, open water, wetland margins and safe access to feeding and resting areas.

Reinstate natural drainage and seasonal inundation where the project has altered them. Retain shallow water, open water and well-vegetated margins.

Restore emergent and floating vegetation without allowing the wetland to become completely choked with dense growth. Include nearby grassland or swampy meadow where it forms part of the wetland edge.

Use locally appropriate native wetland plants and natural substrates. Match the rehabilitation design to the wetland type, catchment and expected water regime.

Protect restored areas from vehicles, trampling, grazing and repeated disturbance until vegetation and wetland function are established.

  • Remove temporary fill, spoil and construction debris.
  • Stabilise exposed soil and control erosion before the next rainfall event.
  • Maintain connection between restored wetland sections where this is part of the natural system.

Rehabilitation actions: 2. Water, weeds and habitat quality

Maintain clean water and prevent fuel, sediment, concrete, nutrients and other pollutants from entering the wetland.

Control weeds that replace native wetland vegetation or alter the structure of shallow margins. Use methods that do not contaminate water or disturb birds during sensitive periods.

Manage water levels to provide shallow feeding areas as well as deeper open water. Avoid rapid drawdown or permanent inundation unless this reflects the natural wetland regime.

Retain quiet areas for daytime resting and limit unnecessary access, noise and disturbance around water.

  • Inspect weed control areas for birds before treatment.
  • Use low-disturbance methods near wetland margins.
  • Record water levels, vegetation condition, weed cover and evidence of bird use during monitoring.

Rehabilitation actions: 3. Artificial structures and replacement habitat

Do not install nest boxes, bat boxes, artificial nest sites or roost structures as a default measure for the Garganey. The species uses ground nests in wet meadow or grass cover near water in its breeding range, rather than tree hollows or bat roost structures.

Where a project ecologist identifies a genuine breeding-place risk, design any artificial nest site specifically for this ground-nesting duck and obtain approval before installation. The design must provide safe access to water, suitable low vegetation and protection from predators, people and machinery.

Use replacement habitat only where it is connected to a functioning wetland and can be maintained through the relevant season. An isolated structure without suitable water and cover is unlikely to provide useful habitat.

Do not create artificial roosts that concentrate birds near roads, active work areas, powerlines, predators or other hazards.

  • Have the ecologist approve the location, design, construction materials and maintenance method.
  • Inspect artificial sites for damage, flooding, weeds, predators and evidence of use.
  • Remove or modify a structure if monitoring shows that it creates a hazard or increases disturbance.

Rehabilitation actions: 4. Lighting, disturbance and access

Use the lowest practical lighting around restored wetlands. Direct lights away from open water, wetland margins and flight paths.

Use timers, shields and downward-facing fittings where lighting is required for safety. Avoid unnecessary night lighting during migration periods.

Keep permanent roads, paths and recreational access away from quiet wetland margins where possible. Use signs, fencing and site design to prevent repeated disturbance.

Manage dogs, vehicles, drones, aircraft and other activities that may flush resting or feeding birds.

  • Inspect lighting after dark from the wetland edge and correct spill into habitat.
  • Retain a quiet area with limited public or worker access.
  • Include wetland disturbance controls in the long-term site management plan.

Rehabilitation actions: 5. Long-term monitoring

Monitor rehabilitation through wet and dry conditions and across the seasons relevant to local waterbird use. The Garganey may use restored wetlands during summer presence or spring and autumn passage.

Record water persistence, shallow habitat, vegetation structure, weeds, water quality, disturbance and use by Garganeys and other migratory waterbirds.

Continue monitoring until the wetland is stable, controls are effective and the agreed rehabilitation criteria are met. Extend monitoring if water levels, vegetation or bird use remain variable.

Use monitoring results to adjust water management, weed control, access, lighting and habitat maintenance.

  • Use fixed photographs and mapped observation points for repeat comparison.
  • Report Garganey records and any significant waterbird concentration through the project and relevant biodiversity reporting pathways.
  • Review the rehabilitation plan after major floods, drought, fire, weed outbreaks or changes in surrounding land use.

Sources