Wetland Science
Taking Care of Shorebirds in the Burnett Mary Region
August 2006
Shorebirds along the Queensland coast include Eastern Curlews, Bar-tailed Godwits and Pied Oystercatchers. These species are the most often seen as they are the largest of the group. There are about 20 different species that feed in the intertidal areas along foreshores. When the tide is high the birds roost at places where they are safe from predation and will not be disturbed. These high tide roosts are at a premium. To look after shorebirds it is important to protect both these high tide roosts and their intertidal feeding habitats.
Critical high tide roosts are at risk from encroaching coastal development and increased human activity.
Towards sustainable development through research
The Queensland Wader Study Group (QWSG) has been monitoring high tide shorebird roosts for over 15 years. As development sprawls out onto coastal foreshores, the roost sites are unintentionally built over or lost to developed parkland. By identifying these shorebird sites, they can be mapped and considered when development is encroaching onto the coast. The mouths of estuaries are preferred habitat for shorebirds as they provide good feeding areas. Other popular places to roost include sand banks in the estuaries, mangrove trees, claypans and beaches near their feeding areas. Many of the shorebirds are migratory, only in Australia for the Australian summer (non-breeding period); therefore it is important to conduct surveys for shorebirds at different times of the year to judge the importance of sites. Also different sites will be preferred at different tide heights. The most critical sites are those that remain available on the very high tides.
Shorebirds at roost. Large numbers of Bar-tailed Godwits (centre) make remarkable 11,000 km non-stop flights between Alaska and eastern Australia every year.
Sharing information and cooperation is the key to successful management
In the Burnett/Mary region there are many creeks and river mouths to explore including the Burnett River, Burrum River and Kolan River. The Burnett Mary Regional Group for Natural Resource Management Inc. (BMRG) has developed a project to map migrant and resident shorebird roosts and potential nesting in northern Burnett Mary NRM region. The QWSG is working with the BMRG, Qld Environmental Protection Agency and Hervey Bay Birdwatchers to identify and map these roosts and obtain counts of shorebirds for the roosts. The maps will then be available to the local governments in the region on a geographic information system (GIS). This will provide ready access for Councils who are making decisions about new developments. The information gathered about shorebird sites will form a further layer of consideration before a new development is approved along the coastline.
QWSG volunteers in the field conducting species counts and mapping the extent of high tide roosts.
Activities in the pipeline…
So far, the coastline was reconnoitred by helicopter and some areas have been investigated by boat and car to see if the roosts can be accessed. Different areas of the coast will be progressively surveyed during the next 12 months. Roost sites at the following locations were surveyed in February 2006:
- Croonie Creek – Moore Park
- Skyring Estuary – Burnett Heads
- Bundaberg Port – Burnett Heads
- Elliot River – Elliot Heads
- Coonarr Creek – Coonarr
- Theodolite Creek – Woodgate
- Burrum River – Burrum Heads
- Toogoom Creek – Toogoom (Hervey Bay region)
- Dundowran Creek – Hervey Bay
- Eli Creek Hervey Bay
The next major field survey will be in October 2006 after the birds return from their breeding grounds in the Arctic. This will involve volunteers investigating some remote areas of the coast. It is always surprising to see how far development is extending into these areas. The work involves lots of fun for bird watchers and opportunities to find important shorebird sites. Raising community awareness is essential and always accompanies field surveys. QWSG encourages participation from keen locals who wish to explore the coastal shorebird habitats. The project runs till June 2007.
If you want further information please contact:
Kirsty Balmer
QWSG Project coordinator
kirstybalmer@optusnet.com.au
07 3885 3244
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