Celebrating and protecting our shorebirds
The Western Australian coastline provides important habitats and refuges for many shorebird and seabird species, some local and others from distant lands.
For migratory shorebirds, sandy spits, sandbars, rocky shores, sandy beaches, salt marshes, intertidal flats and mangroves are important feeding and resting habitats during spring and summer, when the birds escape the harsh winter of their northern hemisphere breeding grounds.
Fairy Terns are the smallest of tern species to breed in southwestern Australia. The nest is a shallow scrape in the sand, so the eggs and chicks are vulnerable. Image credit: Fremantle Ports
Migrating birds may fly from 15 to 600 miles or more per day during migration, depending on when they are migrating, how far they must go, and the conditions they face along the route.
World Migratory Bird Day is observed twice a year during the second Saturday in May and again on the second Saturday in October. The goal is to raise awareness of issues affecting migratory birds and to inspire action around the world to take measures for their conservation.
Shore nesting birds, especially those that lay their eggs directly onto the beach sand are very vulnerable. Beach driving, a popular activity, is one of the many threats, with impacts that can be catastrophic. Currently in Western Australia, offroad vehicles are permitted in some areas, but not in others.
Disturbance by unleashed dogs is another significant threat to migrating and nesting shorebirds.
Join Friends of Melville Bird Sanctuary and WA Seabird Rescue in celebrating World Migratory Bird Day at Point Walter on the banks of the Swan River on Saturday 10 May. The following is the program of events.
- Birdwatching Walk with Lesley Macauley at 8.15am
- Bird Photography Walk with Gareth Evans at 8.30am
- Education Stalls, displays, chats.
- Children’s activities, handouts
- Merchandise from WA Seabird Rescue and Birdlife WA for sale
