Manning Coastcare and Hunter Region Landcare Network team up for migratory shorebird community engagement programs

Manning Coastcare and Hunter Region Landcare Network, in coordination with Hunter Local Land Services and Birdlife Australia, have rolled out engagement programs designed to inform the community about what can be done to keep the shorebirds returning to the Manning each year.

The shorebirds have started to land on Manning beaches, as they do every year about this time. Many of them have travelled tens of thousands of kilometres since last leaving our shores in March.

Numerous species, such as the Eastern curlew, bar-tailed godwit and sanderling, spend the southern hemisphere summer on or near local beaches.

As they are reliant on numerous countries for safe resting, foraging, nesting and roosting areas, they are vulnerable to global habitat loss.

WATCH: Local beach warden Silas Darnell talks shorebirds with Manning Coastcare and FAWNA volunteers

Many shorebirds that visit the Manning are endangered and vulnerable to extinction due to coastal development and recreational use of beaches.

They spend six to seven months fattening up before flying back to areas like China, Siberia and Alaska to breed during the northern hemisphere summer.

They can fly in excess of 20,000km in their annual trip as they chase an 'endless summer'.

That's why the community engagement programs will help protect these birds while on our shores.

More informative presentations, shorebird spotting 'safaris' and training opportunities will take place during summer.

For more information on our shorebirds, visit www.hunterlandcare.org.au/shorebirds/ or contact Manning Coastcare coordinator Helen Kemp via email helen.manningcoastcare@gmail.com

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