The Brolga, Antigone rubicunda (Gruidae) is an iconic waterbird of great cultural significance, but the population in northern Victoria is very small (50-100 individuals over the past 40 years) and is considered endangered. It is hypothesised that this population is limited by low recruitment. In the first stage of our project, we aim to test whether populations of brolga are vulnerable to recruitment limitation and to identify key stages in life-history where limitation occurs (nest building, egg hatching, recruitment of fledged juveniles). In stage two, we will use findings from stage one to evaluate whether recruitment may be limited by the amount and quality of shallow wetlands, which support successful nesting attempts (reproduction) by protecting nests from terrestrial predators such as foxes. Shallow wetlands also support the survival of chicks to fledging (recruitment) by providing a supply of aquatic food and continued protection from predators during early life stages. We will present some preliminary findings from the first field season of this project. Using a habitat-suitability model, 40 years of historic breeding records, and real-time satellite imagery, we identified 43 likely breeding wetlands from more than 400 potential breeding wetlands in the study area. All 43 wetlands were surveyed during the breeding season (August) of 2026. By identifying the characteristics of wetlands that do and do not support successful nesting attempts (and recruitment) we may better understand whether suitable breeding habitat for brolga is in short supply. This insight may inform improved management of environmental water in managed landscapes, improving the availability of suitable habitat at times when it is limited. Outcomes are relevant to northern Victoria, the Murray Darling Basin, and beyond, to support recruitment of brolga, other cranes, and other wetland-dependent birds.