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Shorebirds and other waterbirds

‘Birding’ or bird-watching is popular worldwide. Bird-watching is an activity that can be enjoyed by everyone just about everywhere. Many of the state's reserves, bushland areas and wetlands offer the chance to watch shorebirds and other waterbirds. If you are interested in birding there is a wealth of information on-line and in books that can help to get you started with bird identification and habitat information.

Other parts of this website relating to shorebirds and other waterbirds include:

Bird watching Photo by Roger Jaensch

Quick facts

Printed
digital and audio tools for identification of birds are widely available to help everyone get started in bird-watching on their own.

Recreational bird-watching

Community-based bird watching organisations such as BirdLife Australia, Birds Queensland and the Queensland Wader Study Group, exist in many areas. They provide opportunities for beginners to develop their observational skills and learn about bird ecology, research and management through attending regular meetings, excursions and/or camping trips. Volunteer participation in competently supervised survey, assessment and conservation projects has already contributed large amounts of data that is being used for research and conservation. Individuals also can contribute to such projects, thus participants need not be located in an urban area; isolated observers have contributed enormously to our knowledge of waterbirds and other birds in remote regions.

Waterbirds are great for newcomers to bird watching as many waterbirds are easy to see and often provide a more rewarding day out than in a dense forest where knowledge of calls is important and sightings of birds may be brief. Spectacular flocks of waterbirds can be inspirational and encourage an appreciation for nature. Large birds like storks, swans and swamphens can enable observers to easily learn the bird’s daily routine, feeding and nesting habits, as well as diet. From these foundations, deeper interest can develop.

Shorebirds are a notable feature of much of Queensland's coastline, particularly during the warmer months. These birds are vulnerable to disturbance so they are best observed by sitting quietly at a distance, preferably in a bird hide, and using a spotting scope. More information on watching shorebirds can be found on the Queensland Waders Study Group web site.

Additional information


Last updated: 25 January 2021

This page should be cited as:

Department of Environment, Science and Innovation, Queensland (2021) Shorebirds and other waterbirds, WetlandInfo website, accessed 18 March 2024. Available at: https://wetlandinfo.des.qld.gov.au/wetlands/resources/education/water-birds.html

Queensland Government
WetlandInfo   —   Department of Environment, Science and Innovation