"Magic" unusual bird sightings emerge after floods in central Australia

More than 150,000 livestock are dead or lost following widespread flooding in northeastern Australia. But researchers say the floods will provide a lifeline for some species, reviving bird populations who will breed and feed in new wetlands across Australia

epa05963369 A black swan and reflections on the water photographed through the wetland reeds at the Tamar River Wetlands Conservation Area, near Launceston, Tasmania, Australia, 14 May 2017. The wetlands are rich in bird life, about 60 species frequent the reserve, including many of the large black waterbirds, who use the area also for mating and breeding. EPA/BARBARA WALTON Credit: EPA/AAP

But researchers who have been surveying waterbirds in Eastern Australia for over 42 years say it's not all that uncommon.

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"Magic" unusual bird sightings emerge after floods in central Australia

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03:58Japanese

Dr Kate Brandis is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of New South Wales.

She says birds are chasing the new source of nutrition that usually comes with an influx of water.

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