On Sunday 1 February, an incredible community effort unfolded across the Yalgorup wetland system, as 89 dedicated volunteers took part in this year’s Annual Shorebird Count. 28 first-time participants joined 15 long-standing “legends” (who have each contributed over a decade of experience), ensuring the count was a powerful demonstration of citizen science at its best.

The teams spread out across 24 sites throughout our Yalgorup wetlands using a variety of locomotion methods, some count from kayaks, some from a boat, some walking short distances and some mammoth walking distances. All with a common goal, collecting data that contributes to shorebird conservation work and the Australian National Directory of Important Migratory Shorebird Habitat. (https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/epbc/publications/national-directory-important-migratory-shorebird-habitat

This year the results were impressive. A total of 54,079 birds were recorded, including 18,778 shorebirds and 35,301 other waterbirds, spanning 63 different species, highlighting the ecological richness and importance of our wetlands. The numbers were up this year compared to last year, possibly due to the much lower tides this year leading to a greater area of exposed shoreline and therefore more foraging habitat for the birds.

The Yalgorup wetland system is listed under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands as a Wetland of International Importance. To be listed as internationally significant a wetland only needs to meet one out of nine criteria, however our Yalgorup system meets an impressive seven of these nine criteria. Of the criteria, 2 are specific to wetland birds, these being that a wetland is considered internationally significant if it regularly supports:

  • 20,000 or more waterbirds
  • 1% of the individuals in a population of one species or subspecies of waterbird

The Yalgorup system regularly meets both of these criteria.

From a national perspective our system also meets three key criteria for national recognition:

  • More than 0.1% of the flyway population for Red-necked Stints, Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, and Common Greenshanks
  • Over 2,000 migratory shorebirds (with an outstanding total of 11,135 recorded)
  • More than 15 migratory shorebird species

Among the highlights of the count, the most numerous migratory shorebird species recorded was the Red-necked Stint, with 5,850 individuals counted across the system. For local waterbirds, the standout was the Grey Teal, with 12,266 recorded.

5 Rivers NRM has been coordinating the count for Birdlife since 2008 and in this time, we have seen over 330 volunteers participate, with many of these starting the season with little experience in shorebird identifying skills. Shorebirds are one of the most difficult groups of birds to identify and to help with this we host a shorebird ID training workshop each year run by expert ornithologists. Participants learn about these amazing birds and the incredible journeys they undertake twice each year from the northern to the southern hemisphere and back again. Classroom learning is backed up with practise in the field using scopes and binoculars to hone identification skills.

Beyond the numbers, the count was a celebration of collaboration, learning, and shared passion for conservation. Volunteers reunited on Wednesday 11 March to celebrate the achievement and reflect on the day’s success. A special thank you goes to Mandurah Cruises for their generous donation of a cruise experience for the winning members of the best team photo competition—a much-appreciated gesture that added to the spirit of the event.

This year’s results reinforce the significance of the Yalgorup wetlands, not just locally, but on a national and international scale. Most importantly, they show what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared purpose: to understand, protect, and celebrate our natural environment.

Would you like to be involved in our next Shorebird ID Training Course or next year’s count? Keep an eye on our Facebook page or register your interest by emailing birds@peel-harvey.org.au

This project is funded by the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust and delivered by 5 Rivers NRM, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.

We acknowledge the Noongar people as Traditional Custodians of this land and pay our respects to all Elders past and present