On Landcarer for each day of the #CoastcareWeek22, we're highlighting different marine issues and topics! Today we're talking about Migratory Shorebirds!
Australian coastal and freshwater wetlands host around two million visiting migratory shorebirds that come here from Arctic regions during the non-breeding season to feed each year! From September, over thirty-six species arrive after a grueling 13,000km flight.
From October to March if you visit any coastal wetland or intertidal area you might be able to see these amazing little birds-Greater Sand Plovers, Bar-tailed Godwits, Red-necked Stints and Eastern Curlew feeding on exposed sand flats at low tide. If you were in Roebuck Bay in March you could expect to see thousands of migratory shorebirds feeding or resting close to shore.
But don't get too close! Shorebirds don't like to be disturbed by humans or dogs when they are trying to feed and rest.
By March, the birds that have previously dispersed across the country return to their staging areas, forming large flocks and feeding almost around the clock to accumulate energy reserves for their northward migration.
Of the more than 50 shorebird species most regularly observed in Australia, about a third are considered resident species and the remainder are migrants. These migratory shorebirds spend each summer in Australia feeding and readying themselves for the flight to the Arctic Circle for the breeding season. They range in size from the red-necked stint weighing less than 30 grams up to the eastern curlew which can weigh a kilogram.
Is there a direct flight?
What they fly is more reliable than Qantas and Jetstar... but what is it? Read more
GET INVOLVED WITH OUR SHOREBIRDS THIS #CoastcareWeek22 !
NaturallyGC Birds of the Broadwater Spotting Field Trip (Ages 12+) - Dec 10th 7:30am-9amJoin us onboard a Hopo vessel as we cruise down the Broadwater in search of local and migratory bird species. We will travel past the banks of Curlew Island and Wave Break Island, which are important roosting and feeding sites for listed migratory shorebirds!
Read more
Identification & Recording of Coastal Birds for Bushwalkers (WEBINAR) - Dec 15th 6:30pm-8pm
BirdLife Australia's Coastal Birds team is training and encouraging bushwalkers to record incidental sightings of Hooded Plovers and Eastern Ground Parrots, two key coastal birds, along remote areas of VIC Coastline. Learn about/how to conservation work to help coastal birds; Hooded Plover & Eastern Ground Parrot ecology and behaviour; recording observations on Birdata. Read more
Not a Hooded Plover fan? While I can't relate... you can still get involved in #CoastcareWeek22! Find free, paid, in-person, and online #CoastcareWeek22 events, Australia-wide, right here!β