On Wednesday 28th & Thursday 29th of November, the Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre in conjunction with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services and Birdlife Australia hosted an informative, fun and extremely interesting Shore bird and beach nesting bird workshop.

Held over two days with two field trips to Lake Curalo in Eden, and Shortpoint in Merimbula, several expert speakers, Birdlife Australia Project Officers and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Park rangers provided educational talks that delighted and informed us all.  Other speakers included Volunteer coordinator Steve from the Friends of the Hooded Plover Bass Coast region (Vic), local amateur Birding naturalists and many “Birdo” enthusiasts who travelled from as far as southern Victoria to Ulladulla in the North.

During the two day workshops we learnt about different shorebirds and beach nesting birds such as: plovers, stints, godwits and curlews to name a few.  Presenters talked about aspects of bird life including, life cycles; identification; locating and protecting nests; dangers posed by human threats and predators; research being conducted and the findings from previous work.

Local volunteer bird group The Far South Coast Birdwatchers and NSW National Parks and Wildlife services, in partnership with local community groups and interested individuals, are working hard to secure the future for these and many other shore and beach nesting birds in our region. This includes putting up signs to alert beach goers to nesting birds and making sure that dogs are leashed.

For more information or if you want to get involved, contact us at the centre on 6496 1699

And stay tuned for the upcoming Seabird Rescue Workshop in 2013