Wildlife returns to Tulip Street Pond

Wildlife has returned to Tulip Street pond after a successful water refill project was trialled as part of a sustainable initiative from Bayside City Council.

More and more birds are now attracted to the pond including two species of native duck that have already been spotted enjoying the water at the location with ducklings in tow.

A pair of Bronzewings pigeons- which are uncommon in Bayside, have also been seen enjoying the tranquillity around the pond, as well as the return of Pobblebonk frogs to their home who have been heard croaking in celebration.

Even some of the Wood Duck from the neighbouring Sandringham Golf Course have sojourned at the pond with approximately 40 spotted in early January enjoying the peace as they rested on the southern grassy patch.

Council is excited that the Tulip Street Pond refill has brought wildlife back to the area.  

The successful pond refill happened in December when the Sandringham Family Leisure Centre pool was drained for routine maintenance. Council saw an opportunity to recycle the pool-water into Tulip Street Pond which was empty at the time.

After an ecological fauna and flora study to determine whether the pool water would be suitable for the pond environment, pumping from the pool into the pond commenced and was successfully completed.

Recent rainfall has continued to add valuable water to the pond, which is assisting in maintaining water levels.

The proposed four additional basketball courts to be built adjacent to the pond area have been designed to send stormwater from the expansive roof area into the pond which will replenish the pond on an ongoing basis.

Council officers and volunteers from the Bayside Friends of Native Wildlife will continue to monitor the pond and its new and returning wildlife over the coming weeks and months.

A community weeding and planting day is planned for later in the year to further restore surrounding habitat.