That’s how Rushworth locals felt after an operation to save two eggs of the rare brolga species was successful.
A brolga is a rare species of bird, similar to a crane, that usually resides near wetlands.
Brolgas are listed as threatened and endangered in northern Victoria, where it’s estimated only 50-70 of the species remain.
Recent rainfall meant that local brolga nests have been inundated with water, leading to egg losses at some nest sites.
Wanting to avoid further egg losses, locals hatched a plan to save a nest containing two brolga eggs in a wetland in the Rushworth.
After consulting a brolga scientist, it was decided the only way to save the Brolga nest was to do a trial lifting of the nest.
After the nest was lifted, hay was placed under it to raise it by 250 to 300mm.
This had to be done before run-off water reached the wetland and quickly enough to not cause the brolgas to leave the nest.
“If we hadn’t done it they would have went under,” Rushworth Field and Game conservation officer Graeme Wall.
The operation was a success with the brolga returning to the nest and sitting back on the eggs after the nest was lifted.
Recently, one of the eggs hatched much to the delight of locals.
Young brolgas usually remain in hiding for five or six weeks after they hatch.
Mr Wall said the successful hatching was also the result of work done by the local community to reduce the threats to brolgas.
Brolgas are highly susceptible to attacks from foxes and feral cats.
To mitigate against this threat, Rushworth locals have carried out fox shoots each winter for the last few years.
According to Mr Wall, there was a noticeable reduction in the number of foxes in the area due to the program.
He said given the species limited numbers, it was imperative to protect the species as much as possible.
“Brolgas are a pretty iconic waterbird,” he said.
The location of the saved brolga nest has not been disclosed, as brolga chicks are highly susceptible to disturbance.
Of the limited number of brolgas in northern Victoria, 20 or 30 are located in the area around Corop.
Mr Wall attributes this to the wetlands not being overgrown with trees.
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