Are you a shorebird friend?

Shorebirds often use areas which are also used by people. It is important that shorebirds are allowed to rest and feed without disturbance because they have travelled long distances and need to rebuild their fat reserves. Shorebirds that are not feeding and appear to be resting are digesting their food, a critical stage in their feeding cycle. So, disturbing shorebirds at anytime, will be damaging to the bird’s cycle of rest and recuperation.
Here are a few tips to help be a friend to shorebirds

• learn about shorebirds, their lifecycle and habits
• learn about ‘your’ shorebirds, buy a set of binoculars and a good field guide and see if you can track when shorebirds come and go
•  join a local shorebird group, or a bird association
• share your observations with others
• when you go near shorebirds leave your dog at home or keep it on a leash
• don’t fly kites or model aeroplanes near shorebirds
• be aware that there may be nesting areas along the shore or in your local wetland
• don’t travel along beaches or estuaries on bikes or in off-road vehicles
• lobby governments to care for shorebirds by setting aside special areas just for shorebirds
  

Photo courtesy of HWCA