NSW south coast - migrating shorebirds wetland habitat threatened (1 Viewer)

Australia lies at the end of a biological superhighway known as the East-Australasian flyway, with millions of migratory birds making their way from the Arctic to Australia each year.

The most recent data shows that some species of birds, such as the Eastern Curlew, which migrates 12,000 kilometres from Siberia to Australia, has declined by 80 per cent during the past 30 years.

Click to expand...

"Shorebirds are fighting for their lives in Australia, as the nation's wetlands and coastal estuaries continue to be swallowed by development.

Experts believe as humans spread their towns and cities over Australia's estuarine environments, the competition for coastal habitats is becoming more intense, putting many species at risk of extinction."

..... "Lake Wollumboola on the south coast of NSW is home to more than 100 migratory and native bird species and is considered an internationally significant site.

It too, is in an area slated for development with a rezoning proposal and a possible 600 homes."

https://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2019...vgMjUPSZh4TzqHxwo13mdVjZJvQFPgP9WW6B_qfr-R32Y

"It's death by a thousand cuts" ...... now where have I heard that before? :cat: :-C





Chosun :gh:

Lake Wollumboola Birdlife

A nice little summary webpage with photos of the bird life that can be found:
http://www.wollumboola.org.au/birdlife/





Chosun :gh:

I read a book many many years ago called The Great Extinction. I have tried to Google Image it but to no avail - it will be well out of print. It chronicled the decline and demise of Australia’s wildlife through habitat loss/conversion, detrimental effects of disasterous introduction of non-native species as a reminder of ‘the old country’ and direct persecution of predators including Wedge-tailed Eagles by farmers. It was an interesting but depressing read and highlighted the contrast with the treatment of a unique assemblage of species by another introduced species i.e. the European settler compared with the reverance afforded by the indigenous Aborigines during what they now call ‘Dreamtime’ - the period before colonisation. They book’s scope did not, thankfully, cover the former’s treatment of the latter!

Australia’s unique position but increasing population and it’s use as both quarry and sandpit for China does not bode well as it not only has an amazing level of endemism but is also an important staging/Wintering region for migratory birds.

Meanwhile all that makes the news is that a few whingers will no longer be allowed to climb Ayres Rock for ‘Selfies’ to post endlessly on Instagam, Twatter and FaeceBook:C

Good birding -

Laurie:t: