For the Birds

Bill, Drew and Ethan counting shorebirds at Austin Bay

Each year PHCC partners with Birdlife Australia to coordinate the National Shorebird Count in the Peel-Yalgorup Ramsar listed wetland system. Shorebirds are one of the world’s most endangered group of birds. Many species of migratory shorebirds come to the Peel-Yalgorup Ramsar 482 wetlands from their breeding grounds in the Northern Hemisphere.

In February 2024, 77 dedicated volunteers flocked to 24 different sites within the Peel-Yalgorup wetland system to participate in the annual Shorebird Survey.

These volunteers, ranging from seasoned birdwatchers to enthusiastic newcomers, play a crucial role in gathering data that is instrumental in monitoring the populations of shorebirds in these internationally recognised wetlands. Their efforts are not merely an exercise in avian observation; they are an essential element of conservation efforts aimed at safeguarding these delicate ecosystems and the birds that call them home.

Migratory shorebirds, with their resilience and remarkable journeys, are indicators of the health of our wetlands. By recording the numbers and species of shorebirds observed, volunteers contribute to a comprehensive database that enables scientists and conservationists to track changes in population dynamics over time. This data can also be used to inform decision-making and guide management strategies aimed at ensuring the survival of shorebird populations. From determining the effectiveness of habitat restoration efforts, identifying areas in need of conservation intervention or reducing areas of shorebird disturbance, each piece of data is valuable.

This year there was a total of over 44,000 waterbirds counted across 60 different species. The top 4 shorebird species and the numbers of each were: Red-necked Stints (4,179), Pied Stilts (3,026), Red-capped Plovers (2,771) and Sharp-tailed Sandpipers (2,196). The top sites were Harvey River Delta, Austin Bay, Herron Point South, Dawesville Channel and Creery Wetlands.

The Shorebird Survey is also about fostering connections—between people and nature, between communities and their shared environment. Volunteers come from all walks of life, united by their passion for wildlife and their desire to make a tangible difference. Together, they form a network of stewards, working hand in hand with local communities to raise awareness and promote conservation efforts.

It’s a program that has been running in Peel since 2008, a testament to the commitment of individuals and organisations to the preservation of these precious ecosystems.