Each autumn, the Gippsland Lakes’ incredible migratory birds prepare for takeoff to fly over 10,000 kilometres to their northern hemisphere breeding grounds – some do it non-stop. On
World Migratory Bird Day last Saturday, May 10, these birds were celebrated and the community was thanked for the part it plays in protecting them.
The Gippsland Lakes Ramsar Site is known to support more than 90 species of waterbird including critically endangered migratory species such as Bar-tailed Godwit, Common Greenshank, Latham’s Snipe and Sharp-tailed Sandpiper. They visit the Gippsland Lakes each year arriving in spring and, as the weather turns colder, they head north to breed in the northern hemisphere.
Most of the birds travel to north east Asia and Alaska along what is known as the East Asian Australasian Flyway setting incredible flight records along the way. Bar-tailed Godwits – a large migratory bird that visits the Lakes – have been recorded making the 11,000-kilometre journey to Alaska non-stop in nine days.
“The Lakes’ fabulous migratory birds are a key reason for them being recognised internationally as a Ramsar wetland. Many species are endangered, some critically, so working together to help protect them and their habitat is crucial,” Bec Hemming, chief executive officer of East Gippsland CMA, said.
“This year’s theme of Shared Spaces is about creating bird-friendly communities and is especially relevant as migratory birds rely on healthy wetlands to survive – and this takes a community effort.
“We are proud of what we have achieved to date working with Traditional Owners, BirdLife Australia, Greening Australia, West Gippsland CMA, partners and community to protect wetlands and fringing habitat and conduct ongoing bird monitoring.
“Over the past year, we launched the new Gippsland Lakes Ramsar Site Plan which guides our understanding of the management of the Lakes’ wetland birds. The recently released Gippsland Lakes Environment Report noted waterbird abundance and diversity as ‘good’ with over 20,000 feeding and roosting in the Lakes each year. We are looking forward to continuing to work together to enhance our bird-friendly community to protect and support the Gippsland Lakes Ramsar Wetland and the birds that rely on it to survive.”
In preparation for takeoff, the birds are busy preening their feathers into top condition and feeding to build up body fat to ensure they have enough fuel for the long journey ahead.
“This is a crucial time for the birds, so as a community, we can help by not disturbing them and keeping dogs on a leash where signed. It’s a simple way we can all play our part in being a bird-friendly community,” Ms Hemming said.
