WA South Coast Shorebird Network Newsletter

WA South Coast Shorebird Network newsletter

c/- PO Box 577 Denmark WA 6333 ph 08 98483310 Issue 9 – Feb 2015 Email [email protected]

Introduction Inside this issue:

Welcome to the ninth newsletter linking Introduction 1 people within the Natural Resource Call for submissions 2 Management (NRM) sector to shorebird conservation issues on the South Coast. Upcoming events: Regional Shorebird Survey 2 Thanks to the WA Shorebird 2020 program, the Third Annual Festival of Birds 4 Australasian Wader Study Group and BirdLife Australia, shorebird conservation has an Albany Pelagic Trips 7 international and national focus. The aim here is to Recent events: support their efforts by raising networking support Nic Dunlop & Mike Bamford visit Albany 8 for shorebird conservation locally amongst NRM Salty Summers 9 groups and individuals on WA’s south coast. Effective networking is vital if we are to conserve Current issues and works: our precious migratory and resident shorebirds. Wilson Inlet water level management 10 The idea of a local network grew out of the Living New signage installation 11 Lakes Network, an international web of NGOs Wilson Inlet dog exercise management 12 working to protect wetlands and estuaries. Alarm bells ring for flyway wader sites in 13 This newsletter focuses on shorebird initiatives across the South Coast NRM region. Asia—SE Asia study tour report

This newsletter forms part of the 2015 South Coast Coastal Terns 16 shorebird and Festival of Bird program supported by Unusual sightings 17 Lotterywest, City of Albany, Coastwest (WA Dept of Planning), WA Department of Parks and Wildlife, BirdLife Photographic report—Osprey nest 18 Australia, Green Skills, The overall program is also supported by Albany Bird Group, South Coat NRM, Further resources and links 19 South Coast Management Group, the Australian Government’s Caring for Our Country Program, Esperance Bird Observers Group, WA Museum– Albany, WA Conservation Council, other community groups and many individuals. For the Australian Shorebird 2020 website and newsletter www.shorebirds.org.au

Call for photographic submissions for newsletter 10

Geoff Taylor has kindly contributed this newsletter’s cover photograph, of Great Knots at ??, and has also contributed cover images for several past editions of this newsletter, as well as photos accompanying articles. Many other photographs have been provided by the authors of articles and the organis- ers of events reported in this newsletter. We would now like to invite photographic submissions for the next newsletter. This is a wonderful way of sharing your images, together if you wish with their stories, with an audience of like-minded shorebird enthusiasts! Please email your submissions to Basil Schur at [email protected]. We would like to include a selection of photographs as a regular feature of future newsletters.

Call for article submissions for newsletter 10

This edition of the WA South Coast Shorebird Network Newsletter includes articles reporting on current conservation issues in Denmark’s Wilson Inlet and overseas locations within the East Asian- Australasian Flyway (EAAF). We at Green Skills Denmark would like to invite members of our South Coast Shorebird Network to share their stories relating to conservation challenges, actions and suc- cesses, or shorebird related stories like breeding attempts or unusual sightings, in your local or interest area. Concise, interesting articles accompanied by photos are particularly valued. Please email your submissions to Basil Schur at [email protected]. We would like to include a selection of stories and articles as a regular feature of future newsletters.

Newslflash! Shorebirds on social media!

We’d love to tell you what the shorebirds have been tweeting, but to date the shorebirds of Australia have not signed up for Twitter! Nevertheless, all you social-media users out there can now find both Birding South West, the South West birdwatching tour business of Peter Taylor, the consulting orni- thologist who prepares our Regional Shorebird Survey Reports, and Shorebirds 2020, the shorebird arm of BirdLife Australia, on Facebook. Here are the links:

https://www.facebook.com/BirdingSouthWest

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1418257811799491/

Upcoming events—Regional Shorebird Survey and Hooded Plover Survey

The annual Summer Shorebird counts are upon us again! The surveys include the annual national Summer Shorebird count, the Hooded Plover Survey, the South Coast Regional Shorebird Survey, and the additional site management survey introduced last year. Tern, and especially Fairy Tern sightings will be a focus in order to contribute vital data to Nic Dunlop’s South West Fairy Tern project. The dates for this year’s count are 7-8 February 2015. All forms are available from Basil or your local or- ganizer.These surveys are vital for monitoring local and regional trends in shorebird numbers across estuaries, beaches and wetland shores, to assist with conservation planning and capacity building.

Our south coast data will, once again, be collated and reported on by Peter Taylor based on his first report completed in 2011 (see http://www.greenskills.org.au/pub/sb/sb.html). The 2014 report is available at http://www.greenskills.org.au/pub/sbr5/sb.html

If you are participating in the surveys, please check EAAF Flagging Protocols for Shorebirds and other Waterbirds, available at http://eaaflyway.net/documents/Protocol_birds%20marking.pdf. Please report ALL flagged and colour banded birds sighted i.e. species, where sighted (GPS if possible),

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Upcoming events—Regional Shorebird Survey and Hooded Plover Survey

weather conditions, which leg and whether upper and or lower, and other species around the flagged/ banded bird. This is for ALL Shorebirds, waders and seabirds – gulls, terns etc.

If you are entering your data direct to the Shorebird database, when finished please put the survey ID number that will be given on top of the form. Then please fax or post, or scan and email to Basil Schur, Green Skills, [email protected] (P.O.Box 577 Denmark WA 6333 Fax 9848 3455

This survey is made possible by volunteers, and thanks to support from South Coast NRM, through the Australian Government’s Caring for Our Country Pro- gram, WA State Government through Coastwest, and through the South Coast Management Group, there is financial support available to assist volunteers across the region with costs associated with participating in this regional survey. To register for participation and/or apply for financial assistance, please contact Basil Schur at Green Skills Denmark on 98483310, 0429481019 or at [email protected]. These partner groups and Photos: Top—Anderson Lake with Fred Bondin organizers may also be contacted with enquiries about by Anne Bondin, Feb 2014; Bottom—Brad the surveys and to register for participation: Kneebone at Lake Martagallup by Geoff Tay- lor, Feb 2014. BirdLife Australia/Albany Bird Group: Anne Bondin [email protected]; Brad Kneebone 98452233 or [email protected] Bremer Bay: Anne Gadsby 9837 4063 or 0427812106 or [email protected] Dept of Parks and Wildlife, Walpole: 9840 0400 Dept of Parks and Wildlife, Esperance: 9083 2100 Esperance Bird Observers Group: Ken Read 9071 2280 or [email protected]

The BirdLife Australia website is an excellent source of resources for those participant who need to brush up their identification skills prior to the survey. Check out ID sheets you can print out to take with you: www.birdlife.org.au/documents/SB-IDsheetsALL.pdf, and ID tips in the article “How to be sure about shorebirds” by Shorebirds 2020 Project Manager Golo Maurer. http://www.birdlife.org.au/ documents/SB-how-to-be-sure-shorebirds.pdf. Posters and booklets can also be ordered via the BirdLife Australia website, and a shorebird ID app (for iPhone or Android) can be downloaded. See http://www.birdlife.org.au/projects/shorebirds-2020/counter-resources.

Upcoming events—Third annual Festival of Birds

Green Skills and BirdLife Australia are busy planning and preparing the third annual South Coast Fes- tival of Birds, with popular events from previous years to be repeated, and exciting new events added to this years program. See below and on the following page for details of those events which have been confirmed, and check the Festival of Birds website: http://www.birdfestival.greenskills.org.au/ which will be updated as events are added or details are amended. For any enquiries use the contact details alongside the event details, or get in touch with Basil on 98483310 or 0429481019 or email [email protected]

Participation and feedback from the birding community has ensured the success of previous Festivals and helped improve this year’s Festival and your continuing input will be appreciated.

Invitation to contribute—The Wonderful World of Birds Exhibition

One of the main events of this year’s South Coast Festival of Birds will be an exhibition which will be held at the Albany Town Hall from Friday 20th to Tuesday 31st of March, free and open daily to the public from 10-4. This central location will ensure great exposure for the Festival as well as the photos and art exhibited. Voluntary staff will be needed to man the exhibition, please volunteer if you can. If you have mounted or framed bird photographs or bird art which you would like to share with the greater South Coast Community, please consider lending them to Green Skills for The Wonderful World of Birds Photographic and Art Exhibition. Please contact Basil on 98483310 or 0429481019 or email [email protected] if you would like to volunteer or submit any pieces. Include a caption card if possible or provide details of the subject, photographer/artist, where and when taken/created.

Albany Bird Kite Fiesta—21-22March 2015

Green Skills will hold the fourth annual Kite Fiesta for Albany on the weekend of the 21-22 March, 2015. Renowned artists Michael and Jan Alvares will travel to Albany to hold a family friendly, sea and shorebird-themed kite making and decorating workshop at the WA Museum, Albany on Saturday. Michael and Jan will fly their stunning specialty kites while local families fly the kites they have made in the Peace Park Fiesta on Sunday. We hope to include displays and stalls at the Peace Park Fiesta on Sunday. See the artist’s website at www.kitekinetics.com.au Kite Art Workshop– sea and shorebird theme 10am—2pm Saturday 21st March 2015, WA Museum— Albany. All welcome. Fee to cover materials $12 per child/ person or $30 per family. Anzac Peace Park Fiesta 10am—4pm Sunday 22nd March 2015, Anzac Park, Albany Foreshore. All welcome. Free event, with kite making avail- Above: participants in previous Kite able for a cost for materials. Fiestas (photos John King) To Register contact Basil Schur at Green Skills Denmark: Below: Jan and Michael Alvares 98483310 or email [email protected] (photos from their website)

Program of events—Third annual Festival of Birds

Please note the program below is still under development and subject to amendment. For up-to-date details see the Festival of Birds website: http://www.birdfestival.greenskills.org.au/, phone Green Skills on 9848 3310 or email Basil Schur at [email protected].

Event Title Details Sat 21 February Shorebird Identification Workshop Register with Anne Bondin albany- [email protected] 8am onwards –Free At Rushy Point Bird hide, Albany

with Anne Bondin and Brad Kneebone Sat 28 Feb – Fri 13 Display at Albany Public Library – Available for viewing at Library March By The Friends of the Western Ground Parrot & Birdlife Australia Albany Branch Sat 14 March Lake Seppings Bird Walk Just turn up ! For more info contact Anne Bondin 8am – 10am - Free [email protected] Meet at Lake Seppings Car Park, Golf Links Road, Albany. Bring binoculars.

with Anne Bondin, BirdLife Australia Thu 12 March Talk on Albany’s Birds- Illustrated Register with Albany Public Li- brary (08) 9841 9390 (Specific topic to be announced) 5.30 – 6.30 pm – Free Albany Library Public Talk

with Anne Bondin and Brad Kneebone Fri 20 - Tue 31 The Wonderful World of Birds – Photographic Open to the public March and Art Exhibition- and Displays 10 – 4pm – Free

At Albany Town Hall Sat 21 March Albany Kite Workshop Register with Green Skills Denmark 98483310 or 10am - 2pm - Cost $12/participant $30/family (TBC) includes cost of materials [email protected] with Michael and Jan Alvares with a focus on bird designs at WA Museum Coop Building–Albany Sun 22 March Albany Kite Fiesta- Spectacular Kite Displays ! Just turn up! 10am – 3 pm - Free Make your own kite for $6.

at Anzac Peace Park Mon 23 March Lake Seppings Bird Walk Just turn up ! For more info contact Anne Bondin 8am – 10am - Free [email protected] Meet at Lake Seppings Car Park, Golf Links Road, Albany. Bring binoculars.

with Anne Bondin, BirdLife Australia Tue 24 March Bird Tour to Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve. Register with Green Skills Denmark 98483310 or 6.45am – 11am - Cost $20/person. (TBC)

Meet Woolworths Car Park near Service Station, [email protected] Chester Pass Rd.

With Alan Danks Tue 24 March Talks on West Australian Birds Register with Albany Public Library (08) 9841 9390 5.30 – 6.30 pm – Free Albany Library Public Talk

with Bird Life Australia

Continued on the following page 5

Program of events—Third annual Festival of Birds (continued)

Wed 25 March Gondwana Link Bird Tour Day 1 Register with Green Skills Den- mark 98483310 or (2 day tour of Gondwana Link)

Early – 6.45am start [email protected] Cost $75pp (TBC) for two days not including ac- commodation/meals (Individual bookings ) Visits to Chingarrup, Monjebup, Yongergnow Malleefowl Centre. Stay at Stirling Range Eco Re- treat. With Nic Dunlop, Eddy Wajon, Sarah Comer etc Meet Woolworths Car Park near Service Station, Chester Pass Rd. Thu 26 March Gondwana Link Bird Tour Day 2 As above (part of 2 day tour of Gondwana Link, costs as above) Early morning bushwalk around Stirling Ranges Eco Retreat. Then visit to Porongurups restoration sites. Return to Albany by 12.30pm Thu 26 March Learn About the Western Ground Parrot Recov- Limited Numbers, please register ery Project- Field Trip to Waychinicup 3pm- with Anne Bondin wgpar- 8pm - Free. [email protected] Meet at Coraki Cottages/Lower King Bridge Car Park With Anne Bondin and Sarah Comer

Fri 27 March Festival of Birds Symposium – Major Event Just turn up ! For more info contact Green Skills Talks, Displays and Forum Denmark 98483310 or 8.45am to 2pm – Free, lunch available for a cost. Keynote Speakers including Prof Steve Hopper ! [email protected] ( To include Farewell Shorebird project event) At Albany Town Hall. I Birdlife Australia meeting (tbc) 2.30 – 5pm Al- bany Town Hall followed by Social Event –5- 6pm, Earl of Spencer Hotel, Grey Street East, Albany Saturday 28 March Birds and Beaks kids activities Just turn up! 10am to 12 – Free. Albany Town Square, next to the For more info contact Sheryn Prior, library (tbc) South Coat NRM ph 9845 8537 [email protected] Sat 28 March Seabird Ocean Boat Tour Register with Green Skills Denmark 7.45am – 12noon – Cost $65 (TBC) pp 98483310 or Seabird boat trip from Albany with Dr Nic Dunlop. [email protected] Meet at Albany Whale Tours next to Albany Enter- tainment Centre. Wed 1 – Thu 2 April Bird Identification Course Limited numbers. Register with Anne Bondin albany- Run by BirdLife Australia 8am - 1pm - Free [email protected] Around Albany- visiting nature reserves in the Al- bany area.

The South Coast Festival of Birds is supported by Lotterywest, City of Albany, Coastwest (WA Depart- ment of Planning), Birdlife Australia, Green Skills, WA Department of Parks and Wildlife, WA Museum- Albany, Conservation Council of WA, Albany Bird Group, Yongergnow Malleefowl Centre, South Coast 6 NRM, Friends of the Western Ground Parrot and many other groups and individuals.

Upcoming events—Albany Pelagic Trips

True pelagic seabirds are one of the most fascinating groups of birds, and one of the last frontiers for birders. They are supremely adapted for a life at sea. Watching an albatross gliding untroubled through massive seas in a howling gale is something every birder should experience. Possibly even more extraordinary is catching a glimpse of a Wilson’s Storm-Petrel, the size of a swallow, fluttering amongst heaving swells and avoiding the high- est winds by sheltering in the wave troughs. In rough weather, it’s possible to see these birds from land from exposed headlands. However, the best way to experience pelagic seabirds close-up is on a dedicated boat trip to the continental shelf edge. These trips have increased in popularity in recent decades, and are now run from a number of ports around Austra- lia. BirdLife Western Australia runs a few trips each year from Albany, and occasional trips from Esperance. Previously, trips were also run out of Hillary’s Boat Harbour in Perth, and it is hoped that these will resume once a suitable boat is found. What’s involved? Pelagic trips all around Australia follow a similar strategy. Keen seabirders appear at the dock early in the morning and board a vessel (usually a charter fishing boat) bound for the continental shelf edge. From Albany, we currently use the 42ft boat Chivers Regal II, operated by Spinners Charters. To have a good chance at a wide range of true pelagic species, it’s usually necessary to travel to the shelf edge, where the water depth drops to several hundred metres at least; off Albany we typically head for the 800 m to 1000 m depth range, which is approximately 50 km offshore (or 2-2.5 hours travel time). Once in deep water, the boat stops and an enticing mix of smelly and oily ingredients called chum is thrown over the side to attract seabirds to the boat. Many species will come right in and sit on the water close to the boat, but others (particularly some petrel species) will usually only fly around the boat for a while before moving on. What do we see? Albany is one of the best locations in Western Australia for a wide variety of cold water seabirds. A good range of albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters are seen on most trips. The exact species mix varies by season, and we are still learning a lot about seabird distribution off WA, both spa- tial and seasonal. Some of the more commonly recorded species include Indian Yellow-nosed, Shy and Black-browed Albatross, Great-winged and Soft-plumaged Petrel, and Flesh-footed Shearwater. Wandering Albatross, giant-petrels, Wilson’s and White-faced Storm-Petrels, and Hutton’s and Little Shearwaters are also fairly regular. In recent years, a number of less common species have also been recorded, including Sooty Albatross, prions, South Polar Skua, and Arctic Tern. There is also the chance of seeing other marine life including South- ern Right and Humpback Whales, and occasionally something special like Orcas! Photos, top—bottom: South Po- lar Skua, courtesy Alan Collins; For more information Soft-plumaged Petrel, courtesy Recent pelagic trip reports from Albany and other WA ports, and Dan Mantle; Wandering Alba- accompanying photos, can be found online at tross (prob Snowy exulans), http://wabirdingblog.blogspot.com.au/search/label/Pelagics courtesy Alan Collins; Sooty Al- Older trip reports can also be found online at batross, courtesy Dan Mantle; Orcas, courtesy Dan Mantle. http://birdingwa.iinet.net.au/pelagics/pelagics.htm For information on upcoming trips, contact John Graff: [email protected] (preferred) or 0424 008 179 7

Recent Events—Shorebird talks at Vancouver Arts Centre

A series of talks entitled An introduction to the wonderful world of shorebirds was held on the evening of Monday 19th January at Vancouver Arts Centre, Albany. Presenters Mike Bamford, Nic Dunlop and Basil Schur gave talks on Australian Shorebirds, South Coast terns and international migratory shorebird conservation. This event was well attended with over 60 people coming along to further their knowledge about the shorebirds that reside on or visit our region. Below left—the crowded room at Vancouver Arts Centre; below right—Mike Bamford addresses the audience.

Recent Events—Shorebird Identification Field Outing

Having learned much about shorebirds at the previous evening's Shorebird Presentation hosted by Green Skills and BirdLife Australia, many people were keen to meet these intriguing long-distance travellers and joined a field trip to Rushy Point on the bright, sunny morning of 20 January. Nic Dunlop and Mike Bamford from BirdLife's WA branch, helped local branch members, Brad Kneebone and Anne Bondin, and shared their knowledge about migratory shorebirds. Grey Plover, Common Greenshank, Greater Sand Plover and Red-necked Stint were soon identified on the mudflats. With more than 35 people in attendance, there were plenty of eyes to scan the mudflats to see if the Pacific Golden Plover which had regularly visited the area for nearly a decade, had also arrived this year. This part of Princess Royal Har- bour usually hosts at least 20 of these plovers which migrate to Siberia to breed. However, this year only a few of them seem to have returned to Albany. The bird which was always readily identified by its yellow-orange leg flags was nowhere to be seen. Shorebird numbers in Albany have plummeted in recent years with fewer and fewer birds returning from their Northern Hemisphere breeding grounds. And this does not come as a surprise. Many of the tidal flats found along their flyway in Asia have completely disappeared with the reclamation of coastal land in China and South Korea. With this large-scale destruction of habitat, important stop-over sites between Australia and Siberia have been lost forever. Much of the feeding habitat where shorebirds stopped en route to “refuel” is now gone, making it much harder for the birds to survive the 10,000 – 12,000km journey they undertake twice a year. Vic Smith, a well-respected shorebird enthusiast from Albany who passed away Top—Leg banded Pacific Golden late last year, would have been very sad to learn that the Pacific Golden Plover Plover, photo Geoff Taylor; middle— he tagged with the colourful leg flags has probably also become a victim of this participants sighting birds through massive habitat destruction, dying hungry somewhere along the flyway be- the telescopes, photo Anne Bondin; bottom—Rushy Point with workshop cause there was nowhere to stop and feed. Article—Anne Bondin participants.

Recent Events—Shorebird Banding Field Outing

Mike Bamford and Nic Dunlop hosted a shorebird banding field outing at Rushy Point, Albany on the evening of Tuesday 20th January. The event was successful in at- tracting participants, however it was unfortunately un- successful in trapping any birds to band. This in princi- pally due to the low numbers of birds present at the site this season. Photo: participants at the banding outing. 8

Recent Events—South Coast NRM’s “Salty Summers” activities

South Coast NRM’s Salty Summer activities have been delighting beach goers at locations across the region from Walpole to east of Esperance. The coastal and marine education program provides free activities to the community during summer to increase knowledge and appreciation of the local coastal and marine environment. Community interest has been strong, with more than 500 participants involved in around 35 events during January to date. The Beach Investigators beachcombing activity has proven popular, and is adaptable to all locations and suits all age groups. Participants engage and connect with the environment by sharing tangible observations of finds on the beach, and discuss how that reflects the life underwater and on land. Current threats and actions to protect our unique species are highlighted. Birdlife Albany’s Anne Bondin hosted a Guided Bird Walk around Lake Seppings where many water birds and bush birds were sighted. The knowledge and enthusiasm of both child and parent members of the WA Museum’s Young Naturalists Club was evident, with attendees eager and well-prepared with every good bird watcher’s binos and guide book to make the most of the activity. Resident birder Anne Gadsby reprised her role leading Guided Bird Walks in Bremer Bay once a week. Small groups, comprising locals and visiting tourists, enjoyed a personal experience looking at the life around the estuary. A highlight was the enthusiasm shown by children from inland farms in protecting and monitoring a hooded plover nest near the Wellstead Estuary Walk Trail, similar to ones they’d seen on the salt lakes. To their delight, three runners were hatched mid-January, and the kids distracted the seagulls at another location to avoid predation of the chicks. People exercising their dogs on leads have been rewarded with thank yous from Anne and gifts of Birdlife Australia bro- chures and stickers. In Hopetoun, Salty Summer activities have been delivered in partnership with Ravensthorpe Agricul- tural Initiative Network and in Esperance, the program was sponsored by Cliffs Natural Resources. For further information, please contact South Coast NRM Southern Shores coastal project leader Sheryn Prior on 9845 8537.

Article—Sheryn Prior, South Coast NRM Photos provided by South Coast NRM

The Salty Summer activities program is supported through funding from the Australian Government. Top—Beach investigators crowd, Bremer Bay Centre—Guided Bird Walk, Lake Seppings 9 Bottom—Hooded Plover and runner, Wellstead Estuary

Current Issues– Water Level Management at Wilson Inlet

Wilson inlet: the case for bar openings below current ( protocol) minimum levels In 2009 a bar opening “Protocol” was established and is administered by the Department of Water and the Water Corporation together with the assistance of the Shire of Denmark. The Protocol sets out the procedure for bar openings which includes a minimum opening level of 0.7m AHD and an optimal maximum of 1.0m. BirdLife Albany, a branch of BirdLife Australia, has serious concerns with the non opening of the Inlet bar this year which will, as with the previous non openings in 2007 and 2010, have numerous negative environmental, social and infrastructure impacts raising the need for an urgent review of the current bar opening protocol. These impacts will be affected to a greater or lesser degree by whatever catchment inflows result from rainfall that may follow in the next few months.

Virtual total loss (>90%) of feeding habitat for migratory and resident shorebirds. Wilson Inlet is one of 118 internationally important sites for migratory shorebirds in Australia, there being a legal requirement to protect migratory species and their habitat.

Retention of a proportion of nutrients suspended in the water column that may have otherwise been re- leased with an opening, thus adding to the level of accumulated nutrients.

Flooding of important peripheral vegetation which can, as has occurred in the past, cause damage to plant growth and survival.

Losses of water exchange with the ocean and recruitment of certain fish and shellfish species.

Flooding of some lower lying farmland and roads in the eastern catchment.

High water levels in Lakes Sadie and Nenamup in the eastern catchment causing damage to surrounding properties and the possible necessity for pumping at the Eden Rd floodgates. The reason given for the last two non openings was that the water levels were below the Protocol minimum. The impacts cited for openings below the minimum which drive a non opening decision include an emphasis on avoiding threats to the seagrass (Ruppia sp.) if levels were to drop to -0.4m for a period of 2-3 months in summer/ autumn. This situation has not eventuated at least in recent times and the extent of any serious impacts which may occur are therefore unknown. Other reasons include inadequate marine water exchange and flushing of nutrients if opened below 0.7m. With three non openings occurring in the last seven years (including 2014) there is a need to urgently review the bar opening protocol including recognising the likelihood of increasing low rainfall events. The review should in- volve all stakeholders with the future aim of applying more flexible and pragmatic management principles. An essential part of this review should be a technical report of the current environmental status of the Inlet provided by the Department of Water together with an independent expert’s review. Options may need to be considered in the future for openings below the protocol minimum of 0.7m as also for the choice of locations for openings to optimise water exchange and scouring with the ocean. Lower opening levels will not necessarily lead to lower levels over summer and autumn. The levels that follow low (or normal) openings are determined mainly by subsequent rainfall and catchment inflows. We all want an Inlet in the best health; now is a good time to consider management changes. The threat to the Ruppia may only be possible if openings occur too late in winter/early spring thereby decreas- ing the chance of subsequent rainfall in the catchment which would otherwise benefit inlet water levels. Diligent monitoring of water levels and weather patterns could avoid this situation. Provided the timing of the bar opening does not increase this risk (to the Ruppia) there is no greater risk at- tached to openings below the Protocol minimum than opening at or above the minimum. The table below shows that in the last three years of regular openings, when choosing selected periods following an opening, levels were reasonably similar at the end of that period. No account has been taken of rainfall occurring after openings but it illustrates the point that with an opening of less than 0.7m similar post-opening levels could be expected.

Year Date & opening Date & level after Date & level after Date & level after level two weeks one month Two Months 2011 14/7 – 0.89m 29/7 – 0.34m 15/8 – 0.27m 15/9 – 0.15m

2012 8/8 – 0.98m 22/8 – 0.25m 6/9 – 0.40m 7/10 – 0.15m

2013 20/8 – 1.20m 3/9 – 0.36m 20/9 – 0.40m 23/10 – 0.20m

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Current Issues– Water Level Management at Wilson Inlet (continued)

It follows that whether an opening is above or below 0.7m, subsequent rainfall will, in both cases, add to what would be reasonably similar levels post-opening as the table indicates. Even though a lower opening level (below 0.7m) may not produce benefits to the extent of a normal opening due to a lesser hydraulic head on the inlet side it would still be preferable to a non opening by, in some cases, elimi- nating the negative impacts of a non opening whilst significantly reducing them in others. In principle, any well considered and timely opening below the current minimum level can offer significantly greater benefits for the inlet than a non opening. The current Protocol is unable to accommodate the changes needed without review and amendment. Clearly these changes need to occur urgently so that they can be applied if necessary this year and in subsequent years with the now expected unpredictability of future annual rainfall.

Article—BirdLife Albany, January 2015 Photo of Wilson Inlet bar area—Geoff Taylor, January 2011

Current Works– Shorebird Habitat Signs & Water Depth Markers

Supported by Coastwest and South Coast Management Group, this summer will see the introduction of two practical measures to assist shorebird conservation. New shorebird habitat conservation signs will be placed at some key shorebird survey and habitat locations across the south coast. The Initial locations will be within the City of Albany municipal boundaries. The aim is several fold; to mark the vicinity of a priority shorebird survey site, to provide a refer- ence photo monitoring point,, as well as to alert the general public that they are adjacent to an important shorebird habitat locations. It is intended that this signage will form part ongoing management and public education to reduce disturbance or other damage to shorebird habitats. In addition, up to 5 water depth gauges will be installed on estuarine sites to assist bird watchers chart the relationship between water depths in local inlets and shorebird numbers.

Current Issues– Dog Exercise Management at Wilson Inlet

BirdLife Albany and Melbourne made submissions to the Shire of Denmark in January and September 2014 outlining the importance of the Wilson Inlet bar area for shorebirds and seabirds, and strongly suggesting the current off-lead dog exercising policy should be changed to disallow dogs off-lead. The reasons stated in the submissions for improved protection of birds on the bar area were

High levels of disturbance from uncontrolled dogs to birds’ feeding, roosting and breeding

Increased recreational pressures generally over bar area

Coincidence of the period of high level use of bar area by birds with that of dogs

Shire of Denmark’s own coastal management strategy recognising importance of bar area for birds and recommending review of policy

Legal obligations e.g. EBPC Act and international treaties requiring protection of listed migratory shorebird species and their habitats

International significance of Wilson Inlet as a wetland for shorebirds and as a refuge for waterbirds and recognition of the Inlet’s biodiversity values. The Shire of Denmark dog exercising strategy provides for a number of designated dog exercising areas including at least one other beach area. BirdLife’s position as stated in the submissions and other representations was for the following out- comes in order of preference: 1. Disallow off-lead dog exercising over the bar area. 2. Provide alternative off-lead dog exercising at adjacent Prawn Rock Channel island. 3. Adopt seasonal temporary fencing program to direct people and dogs away from birds. Following BirdLife’s submissions and further representations SoD Council decided in November 2014 to:

Retain the existing policy of off-lead dog exercising over the bar area.

Allow Birdlife to install seasonal temporary fencing with the Shire of Denmark providing $500pa towards the cost of materials.

Install improved and additional signage at strategic points to raise awareness and educate dog owners and the public generally.

Investigate feasibility of constructed islands in the inlet as alternative bird roosting and breeding areas. While the federal EPBC Act is contrary to the Shire’s decision to continue to allow off-lead dog exercise in this area, the Commonwealth has been reluctant to use or apply it, so it would be difficult to appeal via this legislation. There are treaties for the protection of migratory birds which are held with China (CAMBA), South Korea (ROKAMBA) and Japan (JAMBA) however as treaties we believe these have no provision for legal enforcement.

Editors note: As the South Coast Shorebird Network Newsletter is produced in the Denmark Green Skills office, we are always highly aware of conservation issues affecting shorebirds in our local area. However, this newsletter’s purpose is to bring together shorebird related information and ideas from across the whole South Coast region. Are there similar, or different issues facing other South Coast shorebird habitat? We would like to hear from you! Please consider making a submission to the next 12 newsletter (by mid April). Email Basil Schur: [email protected]

Alarm Bells Ring for Flyway Wader Sites in Asia Report back from a Study Tour to SE Asia – November 2015

Over 5 weeks in November and December 2014 I undertook an environmental study tour in SE Asia. This included attendance at the 14th Living Lakes Conference in Nanchang in China which closed with a strong commitment for protection of lakes worldwide. Part of the travel costs were covered through being a finalist in the 2014 Great Southern Development Commission’s NRM medal. 350 delegates from 33 countries out of five continents followed the Nanchang Academy of Science and Mountain River Lake Sustainable Developments invitation to Nanchang, Southern China, at the edge of Poyang Hu, Chinas larges freshwater lake. Here they exchanged information on protection of lakes worldwide and on new approaches for successful management of lake regions. The delegates approved a common understanding on the urgency to foster the protection of lakes worldwide. Challenges for lakes in densely populated areas were the main topic of the conference held in the seven million megacity Nanchang. Lakes in developing countries as well as many lakes in Germany and Europe face issues from growing populations and growing - often unofficial - settlements at lakes. This is an increasing problem in many Asian countries such as China and India. “Often viewed as wasteland, 64% of our wetlands have disappeared since 1900”, stated Chris Percival from RAMSAR. Pollution from sewage waters and industrial influxes are an ongoing threat today. Illegal settlements disturb the potential of many lakes for cleaning themselves. This was underlined with contributions from Living Lakes Partners in the Philippines, New Zealand, Mongolia and finally in an excursion to Pohang Hu itself. Partners presented practical and budget solutions for the cleaning of water, safeguarding of drinking water and protection of watershed. The Living Lakes Network was founded 1998 to foster exchange between organizations for the protection of lakes and to form a worldwide movement towards the protection of lakes. Sierra Leone, Turkey and Pakistan were welcomed as new members of the network, which now represents 104 members. National networks support spreading this idea. Partners are large as well as small environmental organizations and foundations from out of 80 countries. Regular Living lakes confer- ences follow the invitation of partners at one of the networks lakes. Further information on the international Living Lakes Network, of which Wilson Inlet is a member estuary can be found at www.globalnature.org Personal Perspective China I found it both informative and disturbing during the 6 day conference to gain some confirmation of the scale of the enormous problems af- flicting China’s environment. These challenges cover loss of biodiversity, pollution of water, air and soil resources, and the state of the country’s wetlands and waterways. I came away with a greater sense of urgency of how China’s resources demands will increasingly impact on both its own and broader global environments.

Photos, top to bottom:

International Living Lakes Conference, China, November 2015

Very low water levels in Poyang Hu, China’s larges freshwater lake

Damaged riverbanks and bed in Nanchang’s main waterway

Cranes and Storks in a rehabilitation centre near Poyang Hu, China’s larges freshwater lake.

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Alarm Bells Ring for Flyway Wader Sites in Asia (continued)

Korea I then travelled to South Korea where over the next two weeks I met people and visited coastal sites linked to migratory shorebirds that visit Australia each year. South Coast WA forms part of the East Asian- Australian Flyway used by many remarkable but threatened wader species. The Yellow Sea coastline of Ko- rea and China is a vital link in the flyway, but under immense threat. What are the opportunities for Al- bany and Denmark to form sister city or NGO based partnerships with South Korea and other countries? I came away believing that there were certainly opportunities especially if the help of Australians of Korean heritage could be enlisted to assist with translation. Of the cities I visited, Gunsan, Busan and Incheon in South Korea are good candidates—they already have existing sister city relationships along the Flyway, and Krabi in Southern Thailand would also make a great municipal and NGO partner. Photos, top to bottom:

Mincheon Kim, in her East Asian Australasian Flyway Secretariat Office in Incheon, Korea. (see http://www.eaaflyway.net/) Mincheon assisted me to network with conservationists in South Korea.

Jason Loghry, whom I met in Busan. Jason is from the US but has taught in South Korea at an elementary school for several years. He is an active member of Birds Korea (see http://www.birdskorea.org/) He described the challenges involved in partnering with local governments or NGOs in South Korea. His school is very interested in international networking.

A guide at the Nakdong Wetland Eco Centre at the viewing area.

An exhibit at the Nakdong Eco centre showing the international Ramsar sites in South Korea. (see http://www.ramsar.org/)

Below right—Lower Nakdonggang River tidal estuary mudflats in Busan city with high rise apartment blocks beyond.

Below centre—Basil Schur at the one of the gates of the disastrous Saemangeum Sea Wall project, that destroyed one of the key migratory wader habitats in South Korea over the past decade .For back- ground on this sea wall see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Saemangeum_Seawall

Below left—Ju Yung Ki looking over the fomer tidal wader shore bird habitats of the Saemangeum Sea Wall project, see http:// www.birdskorea.org/Habitats/Wetlands/Saemangeum/BK-HA- Saemangeum-Shorebird-Conservation-in-ROK.shtml

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Alarm Bells Ring for Flyway Wader Sites in Asia (continued)

Korea, photos continued

Top—View of the Geum estuary and Saemangeum Sea wall area, with a map of South Korea in the inset

Second top—The view on the mudflats on Yubu-do island - globally sig- nificant numbers of wintering Oyster Catchers and Eurasian curlews.

Below right—Ju Yung Ki, shorebird researcher and cultural historian looking out over the mudflats on Yubu-do island

Below centre—Andreas Kim, an active volunteer with Birds Korea looking out over the tidal mudflats on and island near Mokpo - I think around Muan tidal flats - which is an internationally important bird area

Below left—Ju Yung Ki, Korean shorebird conservationist, looking at shorebirds on mudflats of the relatively intact and vitally important Geum estuary next to Gunsan city. This estuary is one of the key wader sites on South Korea' west sea for migratory birds that reach Australasia.

Thailand I arrived in Thailand in early December 2014 for a five day Mangrove and wetland conservation tour in the Trang/Krabi area organised by my friends Ning and Jim Enright of MAP (see http:// mangroveactionproject.org/) This tour was primarily for a team of Cambodian community and government people engaged with community and environmental programs. It was a great experience for me to also share inspiring examples of community driven conservation, participate in cross cultural sharing, and experience beautiful land/wetscapes and visits to local Islamic fishing villages engaged in wetland and marine conservation. Photos:

Left—Bamboo storm surge breaks that have been installed on the mud flats beside one of the villages on Siboya - allowing mangrove regeneration

Right—The study tour group at a Mangrove Action Project restoration project in Si Kao District done in conjunction with local villages. Good to see healthy regeneration in progress

Article and photos—Basil Schur, Green Skills

Article—Coastal Terns

Ecologically our terns can be divided into 3 guilds or functional groups depending on how and where they forage. These are the pelagic terns, coastal terns and marsh terns. The pelagic terns forage over the open ocean far from land preying on marine animals from planktonic food chains. All capture their prey at the surface by 'contact-dipping' and re- gurgitate food for their young. Typi- cally these terns (Genus Ony- choprion) or Noddies (Anous) have a Above left—Bridled Tern; above right—Common (Brown) Noddy. darker dorsum (back, wings and upper tail) compared to coastal terns. Marsh terns breed on wetlands, often in the interior, and prey on aquatic animals including frogs and insects. In northern WA the Gull-billed and Whiskered Terns spend non-breeding periods on that strongly tidal coast amongst the coastal terns and shorebirds. Coastal terns forage over littoral habitats including estuaries, bays, near-shore shelf waters and shallow reefs. Their prey generally comes from benthic (algal mat, seagrass, seaweed) food chains. Fish are taken by plunge-diving below the surface. When breeding, fish are carried back to 'clubs', for courtship, or breeding colonies, to feed mates or chicks, held crosswise in the bill (bill-loading). All coastal terns have black caps in nuptial plumage, pale grey backs and white underparts. Coastal terns lack nest-site fidelity but colonies may relocate to the same general areas over several seasons. There are four coastal tern species breeding around south-western Australia. The Caspian, Crested and Fairy Terns breed along the south coast whilst the Roseate Tern currently only breeds as far south as Rockingham (Shoalwater Islands). Caspian Terns are the largest of their tribe and almost cosmopoli- tan. They are top predators that feed on quite large, benthic fish captured by plunge diving into shallow water. In the southern met- ropolitan coastal waters of Perth Caspian Terns’ feed from seagrass habitat. South coast birds nest as scattered pairs on islands. Colonies of up to about 60 pairs occur on the west coast. Caspian Terns penetrate well up the estuaries into brackish water. They forage up to about 30 km from their breeding colonies. As top predators that may spend much of their time foraging in estuaries and coastal embayments Caspian Terns are vulnerable to contaminants that accumulate in food chains such as mercury, sele- nium and persistent organic pesticides (POPs). Crested Terns are members of the genus Thalasseus distinguished by the erectile hind feathers in the cap. All these terns nest on islands and at pecking distance in dense, hexagonally packed, colonies on open ground. On the south coast Crested Terns are largely dependent on schooling baitfishes and are potentially good indica- tors of the commercially harvested pilchard (sardine stocks). When breeding, foraging is confined to the open waters within about 20km of the colony. Top—Caspian Tern; middle—Crested 16 Tern; bottom—Crested Tern Colony.

Article—Coastal Terns (continued)

The Fairy Terns are members of a global group of tiny tern species, now placed in their own genus (Sternula). All these species nest on bare sand or shingle habitats on islands but also unfortunately on mainland beaches, dredge spoil, dune blowouts and coastal development sites where the vegetation has been removed. This brings the breeding colonies of these diminutive and sensitive terns into direct conflict with people, 4WD vehicles, dogs and feral and natural predators. Breeding birds desert readily if disturbed by any potential predator during the early stages of colony establishment. Virtually all populations of Sternula around the world are considered threatened and the Australian Fairy Tern was recently added to the list. The location of breeding colonies is influenced by a number of factors including the presence of sufficient pairs in breeding condition in the area to form a colony, the presence of sufficient prey (small schooling fishes) within an economic foraging distance (around 2km), the habitat image and the prior history of breeding success or failure. Micro-plastics are looming large as a major contamination issue in marine environments. Pelagic seabirds, feeding in planktonic food chains are predicted to be most exposed and this is evidently true for the terns. However, nearly half of the near-shore foraging Fairy Terns at the remote Abrolhos Islands have been exposed, having com- pounds from plastics in their blood- stream. The long-term conse- quences of these synthetic oestro- gens on sexual development and Left—Fairy Terns copulating (photo Peter Mortimer); right—Fairy Tern fertility in terns remains unknown. with chick. Article and photos—Nic Dunlop Unusual Shorebird Sightings

Have you recently sighted a rare bird or one which does not normally occur in your area? There are two websites to record these sightings. The Western Australia Recent Bird Sightings page, http://birdswa.org.au/sightings.htm includes details of all recent sightings submitted and highlights unusual sightings in red. To submit to this page, email John Graff ([email protected]) with details of your sightings. Birdline Western Australia, also known as Eremaea Birdlines http://www.eremaea.com/ BirdlineRecentSightings.aspx?Birdline=10 is a site for the reporting of rare or unusual birds outside their normal range, unusually high or low numbers, early or late arrivals or departures for migrant species and interesting behaviour or unusual habitat usage. Birdline Western Australia is supported by Birdlife Australia and moderated by Adrian Boyle, Nigel Jackettand Tim Dolby. On the page there is a link to register for weekly email notifications, and a button to report your sightings. A recent unusual sighting in the Ocean Beach (Denmark) area was a pair of Masked Lapwings. This species is common across its range but rarely seen further west than Esperance. Geoff Taylor spotted the pair in an inundated paddock near the west edge of Wilson Inlet while conducting a monthly survey of the Wilson Inlet bar area. He reported the sighting to John Graff via the Western Australia Re- cent Bird Sightings page, and John replied that “they seem to be slowly spreading along the south coast, they're established around Esperance and I found a few near Munglinup a month or so ago, plus there's a pair at Lower Kalgan in Albany”. John was unsure whether the pair that Geoff had sighted in Ocean Beach was the same pair he has observed at Lower Kalgan.. [Anne Bondin comments “Masked Lapwing (eastern states subspecies) have been recorded regularly in the Albany region since 2003….. We have recorded juveniles at Lakes Seppings in the past and as recently as late 2014”)

Photographic report—Osprey breeding attempt

In July 2014, a friend sent me a message about a nest she’s seen while walking in the forest. I took my camera to investigate, and during several visits over the next month, was able to observe a pair of Osprey in the final stages of nest construction. These visits involved settling into a position which, while well concealed within the understorey, provided a line of sight to the nest. Most visits were of around an hour. Having selected a nest site beside a walk trail, the pair were quite tolerant of walkers, however my long stays made it important to be concealed to minimise disturbance to the birds which could have led to abandonment of the nest. I observed the pair copulating in the nest on two subsequent visits. On a further visit, it was clear that the birds were incubating. Osprey par- ents share incubation duties and I observed a few changeovers. To my dismay, a storm in October blew the nest out of the tree. I found the remains of one egg among the debris at the foot of the tree. Several weeks later, curiosity drew me back to the site. I discovered the beginnings of reconstructions which raised my hopes that the pair would attempt to breed at this location again. Over the ensuing weeks, the Ospreys rebuilt their nest to over half of the size they had reached before the storm in October. While the lateness of the season pre- vented the pair from attempting to breed again in 2014, I hope to see them return to the site for a breeding attempt later this year. Article and photos – Geoff Taylor

Upcoming Bird Surveys—So far good response from Volunteers

WESTERN GROUND PARROT - The Department of Parks and Wildlife is seeking help with the monitoring of the critically endangered Western Ground Parrot. Survey trips will take place on: 9 – 14 February to Fitzgerald River National Park 22 – 28 February to Cape Arid National Park 22 – 28 March also to Cape Arid National Park Good hearing is essential and volunteers need to be prepared for a fair amount of off-track walking and remote bush camping. Some camping equipment can be made available on request. For further information: Friends of the West- ern Ground Parrot by e-mail: [email protected] 2015 GREAT COCKY COUNT – SUNDAY 12 APRIL AT SUNSET The Great Cocky Count (GCC) is an annual community science survey that aims to count as many Carnaby’s Black- Cockatoos as possible across WA on a single night. This year, the GCC is on Sunday 12 April 2015 – save the date because we need your help! Getting involved is easy – as a volunteer you simply go to the roost location we allocate to you and count all the cockatoos flying into their night-time roosting trees. The survey only takes an hour, starting 30 minutes before sunset. For more information and to register as a GCC volunteer, go towww.birdlife.org.au/carnabys/great-cocky-count. Do you have a black cockatoo roost site near you? BirdLife are always trying to locate more roost sites across WA, so please contact us on 9287 2251 or at [email protected] and let us know!

Further resources and links

If you would like to read more, please check out the links below: The Shorebird 2020 Program is run by BirdLife Australia and incorporates Australia's National Shorebird Monitoring Program, The program is raising awareness of how incredible shorebirds are, and actively engaging the community to participate in gathering information needed to conserve shorebirds. In the short term, the destruction of tidal ecosystems will need to be stopped, and our program is designed to strengthen the case for protecting these important habitats. In the long term, there will be a need to mitigate against the likely effects of climate change on a species that trav- els across the entire range of latitudes where impacts are likely. The identification and protection of critical areas for shorebirds will need to continue in order to guard against the potential threats associated with habitats in close proximity to nearly half the human population. Here in Australia, the place where these birds grow up and spend most of their lives, continued monitoring is necessary to inform the best management practice to maintain shorebird populations. We believe that we can help secure a brighter future for these remarkable birds by edu- cating stakeholders, gathering information on how and why shorebird populations are changing, and working to grow the community of people who care about shorebirds. Their latest newsletter is available at: http://birdlife.org.au/documents/SB-news-Dec12_1.pdf Coastwest is a State Government initiative undertaken by the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) and the De- partment of Planning (DoP). Coastwest aims to provide opportunities for Western Australians to learn about, conserve and protect our coast. The quarterly publication of the Coastlines magazine is one component of the Coast- west program. Coastlines is distributed to communities all over the State. It aims to bring coastal planning and management groups, throughout Western Australia, closer together, by informing them about what events, activities and projects are underway or have occurred around our coast. Coastlines also provides information on the Coastwest program to interested West Australians. Their latest magazine is available at: http://www.planning.wa.gov.au/dop_pub_pdf/Coastlines_Summer_edition_2015.pdf The East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) aims to protect migratory waterbirds, their habitat and the livelihoods of people dependent upon them. They are a network of partners within the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF), which is one of 9 major migratory routes recognized globally. Partners include National Governments, Inter-Governmental Organisations, International Non-governmental Organisations, and International Private Enterprise, that agree to endorse the text and support the objectives and actions under this Partnership. The EAAFP Secretariat publishes the EAAFP e-newsletters every 2-3 months. The e-newsletter aims to disseminate information on the implementation of the Partnership; Partnership news, upcoming meetings campaigns, new publications, etc. Newsletters are available at: http://www.eaaflyway.net/our-activities/eaafp-newsletters/ FlightPathProject is an arts initiative- inspired by community arts, science and environment work undertaken in 2012 in Denmark- and subsequently developed as a writing project. New articles are added every month. Flightpathproject takes as its starting point the East Asian-Australasian flyway for migratory birds. This invisible line links the wild south coast of Western Australia with Russia and – give or take the occasional diversion – another 22 countries. Flightpathproject encourages literal and metaphorical interpretations of the notion of ‘flightpath’ and seeks to connect people like birdwatchers, scientists, refugees, travellers and others, as well as artists of all disciplines who produce, present, perform and publish flightpath work. Individual, collaborative or responsive work in the form of publication of image and text, presentation of exhibitions, readings and conversations, or broadcast of recorded sound can be included. See:

http://flightpathproject.wordpress.com/

Newsletter Acknowledgements. This newsletter was put together by Xanthe Bourne and Basil Schur. Appreciations to contributing authors and photographers. Thanks also to Anne Bondin, Brad Kneebone, Nic Dunlop, Mike Bamford, Sheryn Prior, Kim Onton, Geoff Taylor, Peter Taylor, Green Skills staff and many community volunteers and Agency staff for their valuable contributions to the 2015 South Coast Shorebird Program. 19