Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Gippsland Portal Feature

If You See A Sea Eagle, Report It!

The White-bellied Sea Eagle is one of Australia’s most majestic and beautiful coastal birds of prey. Unfortunately it is also one of Victoria's most endangered bird species.

By Department of Sustainability and Environment - 13th July 2005 - Back to News

To improve understanding of numbers and distribution of the Sea Eagle, the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) wants people to report sightings of these birds and their nests.

White-bellied Sea Eagles are usually found in coastal areas but also range inland. In Victoria they are most common between Gabo Island and Wilsons Promontory.

Adult birds are mainly white, have greyish wings and a short, white tipped wedge-shaped tail, with females generally being larger than males. Juveniles, often mistaken for Wedge-Tailed Eagles, are speckled brown with a pale face. They usually acquire their full adult plumage at three years of age.

Sea Eagles mate for life, usually producing one or two eggs between April and August.

DSE Fauna Officer, Faye Bedford, said most of the information about these birds in Gippsland comes from members of the public: "We are always looking at improving our knowledge of their distribution and numbers, so any information is welcome."

Reasons for the Sea Eagles’ declining numbers include loss of habitat caused by the clearing of coastal forests for both agricultural an urban expansion particularly in the central and western coastal areas of Victoria.

"With an impressive wingspan of around two metres, these are big birds and big birds need big trees to nest and roost in. Their nest can be up to two metres across and two metres deep, located in large Eucalyptus trees or cliffs overlooking the ocean, which they build upon year after year," Ms Bedford said.

In Gippsland the birds prefer roost sites in prominent living or dead trees, usually nesting in Red Gums or Southern Mahogany.

"We often underestimate the value of a tall dead tree and only see it as a good source of firewood. Any dead tree has ecological value and felling it often displaces a wide variety of wildlife species whose life cycle may revolve around it."

To ensure privacy for the eagles during nesting, Ms Bedford asks that people observe Sea Eagles from a distance.

"They are big birds but surprisingly timid, and they may abandon a nest with eggs and chicks if the disturbance is too great for them. Often people have good intentions by wanting to find the

nest, but inadvertently cause the birds to abandon. Watching the birds with binoculars from a distance is highly recommended."

To help identification, the Department has a mounted specimen in the front foyer at the new DSE office located on the Princes Highway, Bairnsdale.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• South Gippsland Shire Council invites you to submit EOI for Coal Creek food vendor on Living Heritage Days by 14 February 2026
  Coal Creek seeks a local food and drink vendor for Living Heritage Days, held monthly from 7 March. Businesses can boost trade and connect with customers. Applications close 14 February.
• CFMEU corruption report exposes organised crime links, $15B project blowouts, prompting Melina Bath to demand Labor accountability
  The ‘Rotting from the Top’ report exposes serious CFMEU corruption, links to organised crime, and $15 billion in project blowouts, prompting Nationals MP Melina Bath to demand Allan Labor government accountability.
• Omeo tourism report and investment prospectus highlight opportunities for growth and visitor experiences
  The newly released Omeo Tourism Ecosystem Mapping Report and Investment Prospectus highlight opportunities for investors, showcasing growth potential in hospitality, services, visitor experiences, and adventure tourism in Victoria’s alpine region.
• West Gippsland CMA’s annual report showcases environmental achievements from mountain headwaters to coastal waters
  West Gippsland CMA’s Annual Report highlights major 2024–25 achievements restoring rivers, wetlands and habitats, supporting communities, protecting wildlife, and strengthening catchment health from mountain headwaters to the coast.
• Bass Coast Shire Council endorses Quarterly Performance Report, showing progress, achievements, and positive financial outlook for December 2025
  Bass Coast Council’s Quarterly Performance Report shows strong progress on 2025–26 Action Plan, key projects advancing, and a $2 million operating surplus, reflecting strategic achievements and responsible financial management.
• East Gippsland CMA protects Gippsland’s critically endangered Redgum Woodlands and seasonal herbaceous wetlands
  EGCMA and partners are restoring Gippsland’s Critically Endangered Redgum Woodlands and Wetlands, planting native species, improving habitats, and tackling threats across 15 key sites for long-term conservation.
• Meet with South Gippsland Mayor Hersey to discuss ideas or issues that matter to you and your community and other council updates
  South Gippsland Shire Council is offering multiple opportunities for community engagement, upcoming events, free workshops, grants, vaccination sessions, and council services throughout Summer 2026 for residents and local businesses.
• Danny O'Brien announces finalised Loch Sport groyne designs, Gippsland Ports to seek tenders before Christmas
  Erosion works on Loch Sport foreshore will begin next year, with designs finalised for new groynes. Danny O'Brien praised the community's persistence and vowed to push for further coastal protection.
• East Gippsland Council backs Planning Panel recommendations to guide sustainable growth in Paynesville, Eagle Point
  East Gippsland Council has endorsed independent Planning Panel recommendations to guide Paynesville and Eagle Point’s sustainable growth, infrastructure and environmental protection while reflecting local character.
• Latrobe unites to tackle gambling harm during awareness week: 'Set Before You Bet' 2025
  Latrobe City Council is urging residents to take part in Gambling Harm Awareness Week (27 Oct - 2 Nov) and "Set before you bet" by learning to recognise signs and reduce gambling harm.
• Danny O'Brien says Gippsland roads among state's most dangerous after years of neglect under Allan Labor government
  Danny O'Brien says new AusRAP data shows many Gippsland roads are unsafe after years of Labor neglect, criticising the government for lowering speed limits instead of properly fixing deteriorating roads.
• CFA faces critical staffing shortages in Gippsland as Labor government fails to act before dangerous fire season
  A new report reveals serious CFA staffing shortages in Gippsland, with vacancies, fatigue, and leadership gaps risking slower responses this dangerous fire season. Labor must act urgently.