Predator-free sand island for shorebirds

Georges Riverkeeper has been helping Sutherland Shire Council maintain the predator-free sand island constructed in Woolooware Bay. The island's purpose is to provide a safe habitat for shorebird roosting and nesting.

This is the ideal spot for this island as it serves as a sandy haven, unaffected by high tides, for many of the migratory birds that come from as far away as Siberia, China and Japan to feed on the intertidal flats around Towra Point Nature Reserve nearby.

Brendan Graham from Sutherland Shire Council explains that a number of shorebirds, including Bar-tailed Godwits, Grey headed Tattlers and the Eastern Curlew, have been seen using ‘Graham's Island’. Unfortunately, weeds have started to colonise the island which becomes a bit of a problem when you are a 15cm tall shorebird!

In addition to helping to maintain the island, Georges Riverkeeper is currently in talks with NSW National Parks and Wildlife to keep the ongoing monitoring of shorebirds in the RAMSAR site alive, in light of the recent retirement of Phillip Straw who has been instrumental in the monitoring of shorebirds in the area for over 30 years.