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As Queensland’s shorebird nesting season gets underway, beachgoers are being reminded to give coastal birds plenty of space as they raise their young.
For ground-nesting birds, a peaceful stretch of sand can be the difference between a successful nesting attempt and a disturbed one. Nests and chicks can be difficult to spot due to camouflage.
Dogs, people and vehicles moving too close to the birds can cause them to leave their nests and leave vulnerable chicks unprotected. Visitors should watch where they walk, avoid known roosting and nesting areas and keep dogs on a lead where required.
Local beaches and wetlands are home to shorebirds such as beach stone-curlews, pied oystercatchers, and the endangered little terns. If you spot birds nesting or young chicks on the sand, give them plenty of space and avoid walking or driving through the area.
A simple way to help is to give birds a wide berth. If a bird becomes agitated or flies away as you approach, take that as a sign you are too close and move further back.
The warmer months also bring an opportunity for Queenslanders to take a closer look at the birds sharing their local environment as the Aussie Bird Count returns.
The Aussie Bird Count will run from the 19th to 25th October, giving bird lovers and curious locals the chance to spend just 20 minutes counting the birds around them.
Now in its 13th year, the national citizen science event is open to everyone, with counts able to be completed in backyards, parks, schoolyards, beaches or even from a window.
Last year, a record 64,000 Australians counted more than five million birds, with the information helping BirdLife Australia build a better picture of Australia's bird populations.
You don't need to be a bird expert to take part as the free Aussie Bird Count app includes a bird finder to help identify unfamiliar species, and every count contributes to Australia's growing citizen-science dataset.
This October will be a great chance to look a little closer at the wildlife around you and help the birds.
WHAT: Aussie Bird Count 2026
WHEN: October 19th–25th
WHERE: Anywhere you can spot birds
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