SHARE the shore is Bellingen Shire Council’s message to the community now that shorebird season has arrived, with local and migratory birds flocking to the coastline to rest, feed, nest and raise their chicks.
Four species of shorebirds are known to breed within the Shire: The Pied Oystercatcher (endangered), Sooty Oystercatcher (vulnerable), Little Tern (endangered) and the critically endangered Beach Stone-Curlew.
Urunga Island is fortunate to host one of the 15 breeding pairs of Beach Stone-Curlews remaining in NSW.
In late August, Council’s River and Biodiversity Officer and Environmental Education Trainee Celeste Lymn joined ecologists on the island to install new signage following sightings of shorebirds showing nesting behaviour.
During the visit, they observed several significant species, including beach stone curlew, pied oystercatcher, sooty oystercatcher, eastern curlew (critically endangered) and bar-tailed godwits (near threatened).
Since then, confirmed nesting sites with eggs have been located and fenced to reduce disturbance.
Additional nesting areas have been identified along the coast, with more signage now in place.
Council staff involved in the work described the discovery of nests and eggs as “elating” and are urging beach users to respect the signage and give the birds space to raise their chicks.
These species are highly sensitive to disturbance and can easily be scared away by humans, dogs, campfires and four-wheel drives near nesting sites.
This year marks the first time studies of this kind have been conducted in the Bellingen Shire.
While still in its early stages, the program is already providing valuable data on nesting sites, suitable habitat and potential impacts to shorebird populations.
The two-year study aims to establish a clear picture of which species are using the local coastline to breed, and to guide Council and regional partners in strengthening protection of these critical habitats.
“So far, it’s encouraging to see shorebirds nesting and laying eggs in some areas, but they are highly vulnerable to disturbance and need to be given space to hatch and raise their chicks,” Mayor Steve Allan told News Of The Area.
“Many people don’t realise how easily nests can be disrupted, even something as simple as letting a dog run through the area or walking too close to the birds can affect their breeding success.
“We urge everyone to respect the signage and keep well away from these sensitive areas.
“If you find a sick or injured bird, please report it to WIRES.”
Alongside the study, the Council is hosting a series of educational events.
Recently, community members attended a “Dog’s Breakfast” at Hungry Head, where National Parks and Wildlife Discovery Ranger Andrew Turbill led discussions on resident and migratory threatened shorebirds.
According to Bird Life Australia, some migratory shorebird populations have declined by up to 80 percent in the past 30 years.
These remarkable birds travel more than 10,000 kilometres from the Northern Hemisphere to spend their non-breeding season in Australia.
The Mid North Coast coastline provides them with critical habitat to rest, feed and build the energy needed for their return journey.
“The message is simple: the signage is there for a reason.
“Respecting it helps protect some of our most vulnerable coastal bird species at a critical stage in their life cycle.”
By Andrea FERRARI
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