Native Fauna
A diverse array of native fauna are found within the Greater Geraldton region. Two of our most popular sites for viewing wildlife are the Chapman River Regional Park and Greenough River.
Chapman River Regional Park
At the Chapman River Regional Park, ten species of native mammals, 39 reptiles and six frog species have been recorded. A myriad of bird species inhabit the river and estuary, Birdlife Midwest has recorded 115 species.
At the river mouth, the saltmarsh fills a vital ecological role providing nursery habitat for prawns and fishes, including commercial fish species. A mixture of estuarine and riverine species occurs in this area. The sediments, plants and algae support a richness of molluscs, crustaceans and other invertebrates that form the diet of wildlife including shorebirds, micro-bats, ospreys, and fish, such as the endangered Golden Gudgeon (Hypseleotris aurea).
Greenough River
Within the Greenough River region 148 bird species have been recorded, including 32 species of migratory and resident shore birds. Other species recorded include the White-striped Freetail-bat and the Fat-tailed Dunnart, 28 reptiles including the Carpet Python, Bynoe’s Gecko and Western Brown Snake.
Photos L-R: Rainbow Bee Eaters, Sacred Kingfisher, White Faced Heron
Feeding native wildlife
Whilst feeding native wildlife may seem like a good idea – it can be harmful and lead to undesired behaviours.
Wildlife who become reliant on human handouts can become aggressive, lose natural instincts and survival skills, and can become prone to disease.
It can also lead to unnatural increases in population numbers.
Feeding native wildlife is illegal without an authority under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2018.
For more information visit
Injured Wildlife
If you find injured native wildlife, please contact Michelle from GG Wildlife Rescue; 0401 272 608 or ggwildliferescueinc@gmail.com or visit them on
For injured birds of prey, please contact Janelle from Just Raptors; 0429 028 711 or justraptors2@bigpond.com or visit them on
Contact Wildcare Helpline on 08 9474 9055 or visit their website to find out more.
Swooping birds
Local birds such as magpies, mudlarks and willie wagtails are known to ‘swoop’ people and pets in defence of their nest and chicks.
Swooping includes a bird flying over your head as a warning or can include contact from a bird’s beak or claws as they fly past.
Swooping season in the Midwest is typically between August and November when these birds are nesting and raising chicks.
How to avoid being swooped
If you are walking or riding past parks, reserves or areas where there are tall trees, or known swooping territories, it is recommended that you:
- wear sunglasses, a hat (preferably broad brimmed) or bike helmet to protect your head and face. Umbrellas are also an option.
- walk your bike through the area instead of riding
- walk in a group rather than individually
- walk quickly and calmly
- Take an alternative route
Living with swooping birds
It is important to remember that swooping birds are only trying to protect their nests and young, and swooping season is only for a short period of the year. Even City staff and volunteers at the Community Nursery are having to be wary of a nesting Willy Wagtail!
It can be an intimidating experience being swooped by a bird. Magpies, in particular, can continue swooping up to 100m from their nest. If you find yourself being swooped, try not to panic.
- Don’t wave your arms around or throw objects such as sticks and rocks. Birds such as magpies can perceive this as a bigger threat, and they are very intelligent and can remember faces. It is also illegal to harm native wildlife.
- Walk quickly and calmly, do not run, out of the area.
Helpful Resources
For more information on swooping birds and living with native wildlife can be found on the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions website.
Other useful resources include: