Shorebirds can count on local volunteers

Heidi, Ash and Katy starting their count in South Herron

Another successful shorebird count took place for the National Shorebird Monitoring program on January 29th. Twenty-eight sites representative of the Peel-Yalgorup Wetland were surveyed in a big team effort led by Peel-Harvey Catchment Council, with seventy-six people volunteering for what is one of the biggest citizen science events in Australia.

Every year Peel-Harvey Catchment Council coordinates Birdlife’s National Shorebird Monitoring program locally to count shorebirds across the Peel-Harvey Estuary and Yalgorup lakes, Lake Mealup and Lake McLarty. These areas collectively make up site 482 under the international Ramsar convention, which recognises the international importance of these wetlands especially for migratory birds.

Every year between 70 – 80 volunteers lend a hand to survey key sites of the Peel-Yalgorup Wetland. The region is very lucky to have a diverse and skilled team coming together for the National Shorebird Monitoring Program. Prior to the count day PHCC runs advanced and beginner workshops with Bird Life and Ornithological Technical Services. The workshops include class-room and field sessions at Nairns, Samphire Cover and Erskine to develop volunteer’s skills in shorebird identification and the use of birdwatching equipment such as scopes and binoculars.

This year the team included DBCA officers, Mandurah Cruises staff, Ornithological Technical Services and PHCC officers. Many residents were involved from teachers, tour guides, retirees and people from local environmental groups such as Mandurah Volunteer Dolphin Rescue and Seabird Rescue. The passionate birding community plays a vital role providing their invaluable knowledge and experience. Sixteen volunteers involved in this year’s count have been participating for over a decade. Several new volunteers were also welcomed, taking part for the first time after completing the two day shorebird identification training course.

Areas vary from urban sites to some very remote and challenging terrain. It is no easy task and the count can be an adventure that sees committed volunteers undertake survey across diverse wetland types by foot along shorelines and on the water in boats, kayaks and canoes.

It’s all for a very important reason. Shorebirds are the most endangered group of birds worldwide and the Peel-Yagorup Ramsar Wetland is an internationally important site for migratory shorebirds. 39 migratory species of shorebirds visit the system during the summer months. This Ramsar Wetland is also the most important area for water birds in the southwest of Western Australia and regularly supports over 20,000 waterbirds. 

Some of the highlight species sightings reported from the volunteers include the Eastern Curlew, Common Greenshank, Red-capped Plovers. The data collated from the count is analysed to better understand the populations of shorebirds, the factors affecting their decline and how we can better protect these precious birds. This year’s data is currently being collated and will be shared in the coming months.

On behalf of PHCC and BirdLife we’d like to thank this year’s 76 volunteers that dedicated their time to the count and to conserving our shorebirds.

If you’re interested in volunteering for future counts please express your interest by emailing: birds@peel-harvey.org.au

This project is supported by Peel-Harvey Catchment Council through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.