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An analysis of migratory and resident shorebird diversity and abundance in the Noosa River estuary 2005 – 2019 July 2020 Prepared by the Noosa Integrated Catchment Association Inc. Shorebird Survey Group with the support of Noosa Shire Council under the Community Environment Grants Program 2019.
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Table of contents Introduction ………………………………………………………………………………………………………3 Background ………………………………………………………………………………………………………3 Survey outcomes ... ................................................................................................................................. 4 Survey area ............................................................................................................................................. 6 Survey methodology. ............................................................................................................................... 8 Survey results…………………………………………………………………………………………………….9 Conservation.......................................................................................................................................... 18 Appendices ............................................................................................................................................ 19 Cover photo of a critically endangered Far Eastern Curlew (Numenius madagascariensis) at rest in the Noosa River estuary. The total population of the species traversing the EAAF is estimated at around 35,000 individuals. A previously abundant migrant - it was last observed in the Noosa River in October, 2017. Credit Bob Inglis. Noosa River – Shorebird Survey Report 2019 Page 2
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1. Introduction
The purpose of this report is to summarise the results to date of the first known longitudinal survey of
shorebirds in the Noosa River estuary. The survey has been conducted by the Noosa Integrated
Catchment Association Shorebird Survey Group (“SSG”) over a 14 year period commencing in October
2005 through October 2019 with funding and technical support provided by the Noosa Shire Council under
the Community Environment Grants Program 2019.
The report provides a basis to better understand the long-term trends in shorebird biodiversity and
abundance in the Noosa River estuary and for comparison against trends observed elsewhere in Australia
and across the East Asian - Australasian Flyway (“EAAF”). All survey data compiled by the SSG has been
contributed contemporaneously to the Queensland Wader Study Group database as part of the national
Shorebirds 2020 program 1 and these surveys continue monthly.
Shorebirds or “waders” are those birds commonly found on coastal shores,
including beaches, rocky shores, mudflats, tidal wetlands and lagoons. These
include the many plovers and sandpipers in the families Charadriidae and
Scolopacidae, as well as the stone-curlews, snipes, pratincoles,
oystercatchers, stilts, avocets and the Plains-wanderer. 2
The information in this report is intended to assist the Noosa Shire Council and other relevant stakeholders
in developing appropriate policy settings for the ongoing sustainable use and conservation of the Noosa
River estuary and surrounding shorebird habitat. The report is also intended to inform and engage the
local community regarding the presence of resident and migratory shorebirds, some critically endangered,
in the Noosa River estuary and to highlight the community’s role in their conservation. To illustrate the
biodiversity of the estuary and its high conservation value, survey results for the many other species of
water birds observed has been included. A primer on shorebird taxonomy is provided in Appendix 1 to
assist in interpreting this report.
In addition to this report, NICA has also prepared a 6-part brochure entitled “Migratory and Resident
Shorebirds and Terns” for distribution in the community detailing key species observed, population trends
and information on how to assist in conserving shorebirds in the Noosa River estuary. Distribution of the
brochure will be followed by an information workshop hosted by NICA.
2. Background
The Noosa River estuary lies toward the southern end of the EAAF, one of nine major flyways for migratory
birds around the globe. Originating within the arctic habitat of Siberia and Alaska, the EAAF traces its way
through East and South East Asia to Australia and New Zealand at its southern extremity and is home to
over 8 million migratory shorebirds plus numerous more resident species.
Diagram 1: Global migration flyways 3
1
National Shorebird Monitoring program established in 2007 and coordinated by Birdlife Australia (www.birdlife.org.au)
2
Birds in backyards
3
EAAF Flyways Partnership (www.eaafflyway.net)
Noosa River – Shorebird Survey Report 2019 Page 3
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Australia has long played a crucial role in protecting these shorebird species and habitat as a founding
signatory of the RAMSAR Convention in 1971 4 and numerous bilateral conservation agreements aligned
to the EAAF since. Australia is home to 65 Wetlands of International Importance under the RAMSAR
convention covering over 8.3 million hectares. Five of these sites are in Queensland including the Great
Sandy Straits (93,160ha, listed 2006) and Moreton Bay (113,314ha, listed 1996) located immediately to
the north and south of the Noosa River estuary. A further 65 sites in Australia are listed under the EAAF
Partnership Network 5, a regional initiative of RAMSAR.
Whilst the Noosa River system and separately, Lake Weyba, are recognised as DIWA Nationally Important
Wetlands 6, neither has met the thresholds established internationally by the RAMSAR Convention or
nationally by the Wildlife Conservation Plan for Migratory Shorebirds to warrant protected status as
important habitat for threatened shorebird species.
The Noosa River estuary is one of around 150 sites located through Australia that comprise the National
Shorebird Monitoring Program. The program is coordinated by Bird Life Australia (www.birdlife.org.au) in
association with the Australasian Wader Studies Group and includes adjacent monitoring sites at the
Maroochy River, Caloundra, Toorbul and Bribie Island. The aim of this program, initiated in 2007, is to
understand and detect national population trends and discover what is driving population changes in
Australia and elsewhere. Surveys and data collection are conducted by entirely by volunteers.
Results from the program are used to inform the Wildlife Conservation Plan for Migratory Shorebirds
coordinated by the Federal Government (www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/publications) and aligned
to similar initiatives elsewhere along the EAAF. This plan sets out national activities to support migratory
shorebird conservation initiatives and provides a strategic framework to ensure these activities plus future
research and management actions are integrated and remain focused on the long-term survival of
migratory shorebird populations and their habitats. The Plan will be reviewed every 5 years from 2020.
3. Survey outcomes
A total of 151 surveys from October 2005 through October 2019 were conducted by the SSG in the Lower
Noosa River survey area and form the baseline for this report. Prior to this period, no known systematic
survey of shorebirds in the Noosa River had taken place. Surveys continue to this day.
Records were maintained for all species of birds observed within the survey area including shorebirds
(waders), water birds, gulls, terns and raptors, but excluding terrestrial species (so called “bush birds”).
Results of the surveys detailed herein highlight the unique biodiversity and high conservation value of the
Noosa River estuary despite its modest size and its location as a staging area to nearby RAMSAR sites.
A summary of the survey results to date include:
• A total of 59 distinct bird species, including 27 shorebird species, were observed in the estuary;
• Of the 27 shorebird species observed, 18 are considered migratory, whilst the remaining 9 are
considered resident (or endemic to Australia). Together they represent around half of the known
species of shorebirds that regularly visit or reside in Australia;
• The 18 migratory shorebird species observed in the survey represent half of the 37 species of
migratory shorebirds identified as following the trans-hemisphere EAAF and regularly visiting
Australia. They also include the Double Banded Plover, the only specie known to migrate along
an east-west axis;
• Witness to the estuary’s critical conservation value, 8 shorebird species are listed as threatened
under Australia’s EPBC legislation including 7 migrants 8. Of those, 3 are critically endangered
(the Far Eastern Curlew, Curlew Sandpiper and Great Knot);
• Survey counts across all species in the early years of the survey regularly exceeded 7,000
individuals, though more recently, counts rarely exceeded 2,000 individuals, even during peak
migration. This decline was largely attributable to declining migratory tern numbers;
4
The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (RAMSAR, 1971)
5
The Partnership for the Conservation of Migratory Waterbirds & Sustainable Use of their Habitats in the East Asian – Australasian Flyway (2006)
6
Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia (1993)
8
The Indo-Pacific Little Tern, a migratory visitor to the Noosa River estuary is also EPBC listed (endangered).
Noosa River – Shorebird Survey Report 2019 Page 4
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• Amongst shorebird species, total numbers rarely exceeded 200 individuals or less than 10% of
total birds observed in any given survey;
• Between the early and later years, migratory shorebird numbers declined 45% on average, whilst
resident shorebird numbers increased around 12%. Overall shorebird numbers declined 30%;
• Amongst shorebird species (where numbers were sufficient to permit trend analysis), the
populations of 9 of 16 species declined. Only the Red-Capped Plover increased in abundance
during the survey period. Numbers of the remaining 6 species were broadly stable;
• Concerningly, 8 of 11 species of migratory shorebird including the Bar-Tailed Godwit 9, Far
Eastern Curlew and Curlew Sandpiper species saw numbers decline, in some cases
precipitously;
• Inward and outbound migration patterns remained largely unchanged with arrivals peaking in
October-November and departures peaking in March – April. However, the frequency of “over-
wintering”, where migratory species remain in the estuary year-round, declined; and
• Breeding behavior amongst shorebirds in the estuary was limited to pairs of three resident
species, the Beach Stone Curlew, Australian Pied Oystercatcher and Red Capped Plover.
Amongst those only the later was observed to have successfully reared chicks with the estuary.
To the extent that the small data set here permitted, comparison of the results was made to empirical
research on shorebird population trends across Australia and the EAAF. These trends indicate similarities
between changes in shorebird numbers in the Noosa River estuary and those transiting the EAAF.
Finally, and as a general guide to the estuary’s significance, a comparison has been made of the survey
results for all shorebird species observed in the Noosa River estuary to international and national
RAMSAR conservation thresholds using revised population parameters.
A pair of Double-Banded
Plovers (Charadrius bicinctus)
at rest in the estuary.
Unique amongst migratory
species, the Double-Banded
Plover traverses along an east-
west axis between its summer
breeding grounds in New
Zealand and winter foraging
sites along the eastern
seaboard of Australia.
The species is considered
secure in Australia and has
been observed in the estuary in
all but one of the last 14 years.
Credit: Bob Inglis.
9
Common name only for sub-specie Nunivak (or West Alaskan) Bar-Tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica baueri)
Noosa River – Shorebird Survey Report 2019 Page 5
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4. Survey area
The area surveyed for this report included the inter-tidal sand banks, semi-permanent islands, mangrove
and saltmarsh foreshore areas and river mouth of the lower Noosa River as depicted in Diagram 2. A total
of 7 observation sites were selected to observe bird species across all preferred habitat in the area. As
much as possible, survey areas were located within line of sight of one another to avoid survey error.
The survey sites extend approximately 1,800 meters directly upstream from the easternmost point of the
river mouth training wall to the western most point of the established islet adjacent to Munna Point. At its
widest in the “Frying Pan” area of the river mouth, the survey area is approximately 1,000 metres wide,
while at its narrowest, the survey area extends just 425 metres from the river mouth training wall to the
established tree line on the north shore. The survey area encompasses an area of around 110 hectares.
Diagram 2: Lower Noosa River – Survey Area
The survey area consists primarily of inter-tidal siliceous sand substrate and semi-permanent, partially
vegetated sand islands rising to a height of around 1.5 metres above mean high tide. The tidal range in
the estuary rarely exceeds 2 metres. The survey area itself is exposed to prevailing winds from the NE
and SW though these were observed to have limited impact on shorebird numbers but for extreme climatic
events.
Vegetation on the four permanent islands in
the survey area consists of lightly vegetated
foredunes with casuarina, wattle, acacia
and banksia to heights of 6-8 meters in the
swales and elevated areas behind. Species
of mangroves fringe some islands.
Foreshore areas on both north and south
banks include inter-tidal mangrove, mud-
flat and saltmarsh habitat punctuated by
intermittent creeks. This habitat borders
more established coastal heath and dry
eucalypt forest on hind dune areas. The nest of the Red-Capped Plover (Charadrius ruficapillus) disguised amid
typical foredune vegetation cover in the Noosa River. Credit: Jill Dening
Noosa River – Shorebird Survey Report 2019 Page 6
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Due to the distance from the river mouth, the extensive upstream lakes, creeks, tributaries and inter-tidal
mudflats of the Noosa River system were not incorporated into this survey though were monitored
sporadically from time-to-time. Certain species, particularly water birds, though rarely shorebirds, were
observed in these areas.
Similarly it is unlikely shorebirds, including otherwise resident species, likely remained restricted to the
Noosa River estuary throughout the year, with the Great Sandy Strait (65 kilometers), Pumicestone
Passage (50 kilometres) and Moreton Bay (70 kilometres) all providing similar sheltered habitat in near
proximity and directly along known migration paths.
Like all estuarine systems, the channels, sandbanks and islands of the lower Noosa River remain in a
constant state of flux driven by tidal range, storm water outflow, prevailing weather conditions and human
influence. An aerial comparison of the lower Noosa River in Diagram 3 taken in 2004 and 2017 depicts
changes within the survey area.
Diagram 3 – Lower Noosa River – 2004 10 and 2019
Localised natural movement of channels, tidal sandbanks and permanent islands has occurred since 2005
though no changes were considered of such significance as to materially impact either the overall size or
suitability of the shorebird habitat.
Notably, significant erosion of the north bank of the river mouth over several years led, in late 2018, to a
renewed north channel “breakthrough” where previously a sand spit had extended into the estuary. This
enhanced the relative isolation of the area contributing to improved security for shorebirds. Ongoing
rehabilitation of the area by volunteer groups led by NICA has contributed to an improvement in the overall
diversity and density of riparian vegetation on the prominent sand island and adjacent islets, though some
foreshore areas, particularly around the lower North Shore, have deteriorated.
Minor human-scale development to have taken place since 2005 has been primarily intended to stabilise
and replenish foreshore areas including the installation of geotextile sand container groynes and a
submerged training wall in the Noosa Woods area in 2012, similar geotextile sand container groynes and
replenishment works at Munna Point beach in 2015 and refurbishment of the river mouth carpark in 2018.
These works have understandably increased the available foreshore areas for visitors and pets, hence
leading to more frequent disturbance of shorebirds nearby despite seasonal restrictions imposed by Noosa
Shire Council in 2007 12. Noosa Council is current considering the recommendations of the final Shoreline
Erosion Management Plan (“SEMP”) report, delivered in December 2019. Proposed works may impact
upon estuarine areas including and adjacent to the Noosa Woods dog beach.
10
2004 aerial photo credit: Jim Upton (Sunshine Coast Daily, January 2019)
12
The Noosa North Shore “Exclusion Zone” per Noosa Council Subordinate Local Law #4.
Noosa River – Shorebird Survey Report 2019 Page 7
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5. Survey methodology
Weather permitting, surveys were conducted monthly commencing in October 2005 through October,
2019. A total of 151 surveys have been undertaken to date (90% capture). A schedule of surveys
conducted is provided in Appendix 1. Prior to 2005, no systematic survey of shorebirds in the Noosa River
estuary was known to have taken place.
Surveys were generally undertaken 4 - 5 weeks apart to ensure migratory species were not missed due
to those shorebirds having already arrived and departed from the survey area. The only exception were
surveys conducted in December and January which were generally scheduled up to 6 weeks apart to
avoid peak holiday disturbances in the survey area. Surveys were conducted regardless of the specific
lunar cycle (and hence tidal range) at the time.
Most surveys consisted of two “windows” of observations, conducted on the same day 13. The first
commenced approximately 1.5 hours prior to the “day light” high tide at Noosa Heads and ended
approximately 1.5 hours following that high tide. During high tides, shorebirds in the survey area were
more easily observed as they congregated on the elevated sand banks and permanent islands. The
second intra-day survey, for the purpose of more accurately assessing tern numbers in particular, was
made approximately 40 minutes prior to and following sunset. This survey was conducted from an elevated
position on the river mouth training wall. During the period around sunset, terns feeding in Laguna Bay
and further afield were observed to return to the estuary through the river mouth at relatively low elevation
and when observed against the evening light permitted accurate surveying in flight.
By counting terns in this manner, a
practice pioneered in this survey, a
more accurate assessment of overall
population numbers of birds,
particularly migratory tern species, in
the estuary was established.
Appendix 3 provides further detail on
count variations observed for specific
species of terns between day and
evening survey windows.
Observations of individual birds and
flocks were validated by multiple
observers using high magnification
binoculars, spotting scopes and
digital cameras.
A mixed flock of terns returning at sunset to the Noosa River estuary as observed
from the river mouth training wall. Credit: Jill Dening
Where possible, birds were counted
individually, though in the case of larger
flocks or flocks in flight, particularly terns,
other counting techniques were used from
time-to-time to derive more accurate data.
These included grid studies, proportional
counts and time elapse studies.
Notes on roosting, foraging and, where
relevant, breeding behavior were taken as
were records of tide, precipitation, wind
speed and direction and other relevant
climatic conditions.
Counts were conducted in accordance with
relevant survey protocols.
Survey Group volunteer, Barbara Dickson, conducting a count from Site 2
opposite Noosa Woods. Where possible, observers use high magnification
spotting scopes on fixed tripods to assist counts. Credit: Jill Dening.
13
A total of 128 surveys (85%) including both day and evening counts, of the 151 surveys conducted.
Noosa River – Shorebird Survey Report 2019 Page 8
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6. Survey results
A. Species biodiversity
Over the 14 year survey period, 59 different bird species were observed in the survey area. Table 1
summarises the species distribution by sub-group applied in the survey. Further detail and a full species
distribution is provided in Appendix 1.
Table 1: Species distribution by sub-group
Species by sub-group Species observed
Tern – Resident 4
Tern – Migratory 4
Shorebird – Resident 9
Shorebird – Migratory 18
Gull 1
Wading bird 6
Water bird 9
Sea bird 2
Raptor 6
Total species observed 59
Of the 59 species observed in the estuary, almost half (27) are considered shorebirds, including 18 of the
37 species of migratory shorebirds that follow the EAAF (North-South) and regularly visit Australia 15. This
list also includes the only species to migrate along an East-West axis (Double-Banded Plover). The
remaining 9 shorebirds are all considered resident to Australia and generally do not migrate.
Evidencing the Noosa River estuary’s unique, albeit threatened, biodiversity and high conservation value,
8 of the 27 species of shorebirds observed are currently listed as threatened under Australia’s Environment
Protection and Biodiversity Assessment Act (1999). Of these, three species – the Far Eastern Curlew,
Great Knot and Curlew Sandpiper - are all considered critically endangered or just one step removed from
“extinct in the wild”. A further 5 migratory shorebird species observed are listed nationally as either
endangered or vulnerable (plus a further one migratory tern specie, the Indo-Pacific Little Tern, itself listed
as vulnerable).
Table 2 summarises the list of nationally threatened shorebird species known to frequent the Noosa River
estuary. Amongst threatened species denoted in Table 2, only the Hooded Dotterel is resident, if a rare
vagrant, to the area. The remaining 7 threatened species are migrants.
It should be noted that the national classification of conservation status of shorebird or other species (as
defined in the EPBC Act) does not always align to the conservation status assigned internationally by the
International Union for Conservation of Nature (“IUCN”). Similarly, the list of species threatened at a State
level may diverge from that at a national level.
For that purpose, a more comprehensive summary of all international, national and state conservation
listings for all species observed throughout the survey is provided in Appendix 7.
Table 2: Threatened shorebird species by conservation status 17
EPBC conservation status 18 Total Species observed in Noosa River
Critically Endangered 3 Far Eastern Curlew, Great Knot, Curlew Sandpiper
Endangered 2 Red Knot, Lesser Sand Plover
Vulnerable 3 Hooded Dotterel, Greater Sand Plover, Bar-Tailed Godwit
Conservation dependent - -
Total species listed 8
15
Revision of East Asian-Australasian Flyway Population Estimates (Hansen et al, 2016)
17
The Indo-Pacific Little Tern (Sternula albifrons sinensis) is also EPBC listed (vulnerable) and observed in the Noosa River during the survey.
18
Per current EPBC listing (www.environment.gov.au)
Noosa River – Shorebird Survey Report 2019 Page 9
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A critically endangered Curlew
Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea)
observed amongst seaweed.
The Curlew Sandpiper breeds in the
lowland tundra of Siberia before its
annual migration along the EAAF to
Australia. The population is
estimated at around 90,000
individuals.
It was last observed in the Noosa
River in November, 2017.
Credit Bob Inglis.
One of the more abundant species of migratory
shorebirds observed in the Noosa River estuary,
the Pacific Golden Plover (Pluvialis fulva) seen
here in its distinctive non-breeding plumage.
The EAAF population of the species, which
breeds in Alaska, is estimated at 120,000
individuals. It is considered secure in Australia
and has been observed in 136 of 151 surveys
conducted.
Credit Bob Inglis.
The Lesser Sand Plover (Charadrius
mongolus) pictured here in non-
breeding plumage. The sub-species
(one of five) migrates from its
breeding grounds in far east arctic
Siberia.
The sub-species is listed as
endangered in Australia, and has
been sighted in 8 of 15 Noosa River
survey years, most recently in May,
2019.
Credit: Queensland Wader Studies
Group (2010).
Table 3 details a summary of the observations recorded over the survey period for all species of bird
observed including typical current counts and trends over time. Note observation frequency denotes the
number of monthly surveys in which a specie was observed, whilst seasonal frequency denotes the
number of July 1- June 30 yearly cycles, or seasons, in which a specie was observed.
Noosa River – Shorebird Survey Report 2019 Page 10
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Table 3: Survey results - all species (October 2005-October 2019)
Common name EPBC Observation Seasonal Last Recent Count
Status frequency 19 frequency 20 observed peak 21 trend
Resident Tern
Caspian Tern Secure 106 15 Sep-19 25 Stable
Greater Crested Tern Secure 151 15 Sep-19 1,307 Declining
Australian Tern Secure 95 15 Sep-19 27 Stable
Whiskered Tern Secure 4 3 Oct-14 - -
Migratory Tern
Arctic Tern Secure 1 1 Jun-10 - -
Common Tern Secure 82 15 May-19 1,818 Declining
Little Tern (Indo-Pacific) Endangered 65 14 May-19 181 Declining
White-winged Tern Secure 43 15 May-19 51 Declining
Resident Shorebirds
Australian Pratincole Secure 1 1 Sep-13 - -
Banded Lapwing Secure 1 1 Mar-09 - -
Beach Stone-curlew Secure 69 14 Sep-19 2 Stable
Pied Stilt Secure 17 11 Sep-19 3 Stable
Hooded Dotterel Vulnerable 3 1 Aug-10 - -
Masked Lapwing Secure 34 14 May-19 1 Stable
Australian Pied Oystercatcher Secure 114 15 Sep-19 2 Declining
Red-capped Plover Secure 151 14 Sep-19 45 Increasing
Red-necked Avocet 22 Secure 1 1 May-18 1 -
Migratory Shorebirds
Bar-tailed Godwit (Nunivak) Vulnerable 139 15 Sep-19 43 Declining
Broad-Billed Sandpiper Secure 1 1 Dec-18 1 -
Common Greenshank Secure 61 14 Dec-18 1 Declining
Curlew Sandpiper Critically End. 27 13 Nov-17 1 Declining
Double-Banded Plover Secure 60 13 Aug-19 22 Declining
Far Eastern Curlew Critically End. 71 13 Oct-17 1 Declining
Great Knot Critically End. 11 7 Oct-17 2 -
Greater Sand Plover Vulnerable 11 15 Sep-19 1 Stable
Grey-tailed Tattler Secure 67 15 Sep-19 1 Declining
Lesser Sand Plover Endangered 60 8 May-19 2 -
Pacific Golden Plover Secure 136 15 Sep-19 52 Stable
Red Knot (Siberian) Endangered 6 5 Dec-18 1 -
Red-necked Stint Secure 93 15 Feb-19 10 Declining
Ruddy Turnstone Secure 16 12 Dec-18 3 -
Sanderling Secure 3 2 Dec-18 1 -
Sharp-Tailed Sandpiper Secure 35 14 Mar-19 2 Declining
Terek Sandpiper Secure 6 4 Dec-18 1 -
Whimbrel (Eurasian) Secure 139 15 Sep-19 37 Stable
Gulls
Silver Gull Secure 151 15 Sep-19 96 Declining
Wading Birds
Australian White Ibis Secure 58 8 Sep-19 10 Stable
Black-necked Stork Secure 4 2 Mar-11 - -
Great Egret Secure 32 8 Sep-19 2 Stable
Little Egret Secure 68 23 8 Sep-19 3 Stable
Striated Heron Secure 33 11 Mar-19 1 Declining
White-Faced Heron Secure 113 14 Sep-19 3 Declining
Water Birds
Australasian Darter Secure 14 7 Sep-19 1 Stable
Australian Pelican Secure 134 15 Sep-19 46 Stable
Black Swan Secure 1 1 Oct-06 - -
Chestnut Teal Secure 1 1 May-11 - -
Great Cormorant Secure 20 9 Sep-19 3 Stable
Little Black Cormorant Secure 115 15 Sep-19 112 Declining
Little Pied Cormorant Secure 21 9 Jun-19 2 Stable
Pacific Black Duck Secure 61 13 Mar-19 8 Stable
Australian Pied Cormorant Secure 142 15 Sep-19 29 Declining
Seabirds
Australasian Gannet Secure 1 1 Jun-19 - -
Great Frigate bird Secure 2 1 Feb-10 - -
19
Number of high tide surveys each species was observed (total = 151 surveys conducted).
20
Number of years each species observed (total = 15 years)
21
Maximum number of that species observed in any daylight high tide or evening survey (terns) over last 24 months.
22
At the commencement of the survey in 2005, the Red-Necked Avocet was incorporated into the survey database within the sub-group of wading
birds per then accepted practice. The single sighting of the Red-Necked Avocet is hence included in the wading bird sub-group for this analysis.
23
Data for the Little Egret, Great Egret and Australia White Ibis only available from 2012 due to change in survey collection methods
Noosa River – Shorebird Survey Report 2019 Page 11
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Table 4: Survey results by raptor species
Common name EPBC Status Observation Seasonal Last Recent Count
frequency frequency observed peak trend
Black Kite Secure 2 1 Aug-19 - -
Brahminy Kite Secure 101 14 Sep-19 2 Stable
Eastern Osprey Secure 84 14 Sep-19 3 Stable
Nankeen Kestrel Secure 1 1 Mar-09 - -
White Bellied Sea Eagle Secure 133 15 Sep-19 3 Stable
Whistling Kite Secure 133 15 Aug-19 4 Stable
Despite the somewhat modest size of the survey area, the diversity of species observed including the
ongoing presence of almost half of the migratory shorebirds common to the EAAF along with numerous
threatened species indicates the high conservation value of the Noosa River estuary.
A mixed group of migratory shorebirds, primarily
Bar-Tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica baueri), at
rest in the Noosa River estuary.
One of two sub-species of Bar-Tailed Godwit to
regularly visit Australia, the Nunivak or West
Alaskan baueri sub-specie pictured here is listed
nationally as vulnerable. The population of Bar-
Tailed Godwit (both sub-species) traversing the
EAAF is estimated at 325,000 individuals.
One of the larger and more abundant of the
migratory shorebirds to visit the Noosa River
estuary, the species was observed in 139 of the
151 surveys conducted.
Credit Jill Dening.
Three Great Knot (Calidris tenuirostris), foreground
facing camera, in breeding plumage, captured in the
Noosa River amongst Nunivak Bar Tailed Godwit
(Limosa lapponica baueri) and Pied Stilt (Himantopus
leucocephalus) at rear.
One of three species of critically endangered
shorebirds observed in the Noosa River, it migrates
annually to Australia from its breeding grounds in far
northern Siberia.
The EAAF flyway population of the Great Knot is
estimated at 425,000 individuals but it has been
observed only 11 times in 151 surveys in Noosa
River, most recently in October, 2017.
Credit: Allen Briggs.
Noosa River – Shorebird Survey Report 2019 Page 12
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B. Species abundance
Overall, the survey data indicated a steady decline in the total abundance of all water birds observed in
the estuary. Declines in total count numbers from peaks exceeding 10,000 individuals in the early years
of the survey to infrequent counts exceeding 2,000 individuals in later years, were accounted for largely
by the decline in tern numbers, particularly migratory terns (together up to 85% by number of any given
count). Total shorebird numbers including during peak migration, rarely exceeding 200 individuals, hence
robust declines in shorebird abundance had minimal impact on overall survey counts.
To the extent that the small data set permits, Table 5 details population changes by sub-group counts
across in the “early” and “later” years of the surveys to date. The table indicates a near 30% decline on
average across sub-group numbers, most notably amongst migratory shorebirds species.
Table 5: Change in population by sub-group – early and later survey periods
Group Average count Average count % Change
2007-2011 2015-2019
Migratory Shorebirds 104 57 -45%
Resident – Shorebirds 24 27 +12%
Gull 59 40 -32%
Wading Birds 6 5 -11%
Water Birds 66 53 -20%
All species (excluding terns) 259 182 -30%
Diagram 1 illustrates both the migratory patterns and long-term decline observed in numbers of migratory
shorebirds frequenting the estuary. These include abrupt declines in numbers of several of the historically more
abundant species such as the Bar-Tailed Godwit, Sharp-Tailed Sandpiper and Double-Banded Plover.
Diagram 1: Migratory shorebird (day) count time series – 2005 to present
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
Oct-05 Oct-06 Oct-07 Oct-08 Oct-09 Oct-10 Oct-11 Oct-12 Oct-13 Oct-14 Oct-15 Oct-16 Oct-17 Oct-18
Three is a crowd!
Individuals from three shorebird species
captured together in the Noosa River
estuary (from left to right) - a Red-Necked
Stint (Calidris ruficollis), Red-Capped
Plover (Charadrius ruficapillus) and
Sanderling (Calidris alba) .
Though the Red-Necked Stint and
Sanderling are EAAF migrants, all three
are considered secure in Australia.
Credit: Dorothy Pashniak.
Noosa River – Shorebird Survey Report 2019 Page 13
Page 14
A Greater Sand Plover (Charadrius leschenaultii) captured in non-
breeding plumage. The species breeds in Mongolia prior to its
annual migration along the EAAF to Australia.
The species is considered vulnerable in Australia but has been
sighted in 11 of the 15 years of the Noosa River survey, albeit in
small numbers.
Credit: Queensland Wader Studies Group (2010).
A rare visitor indeed!
An Australian Pratincole (Stiltia isabella)
captured here, has been observed only
once in the Noosa River estuary in
September, 2013.
The species is more common to northern
and inland Australia and does not generally
migrate. It is considered secure in Australia.
Credit Jill Dening.
Numbers of resident shorebird species have demonstrated greater resilience than migratory species, as
indicated in Diagram 2, with resident shorebirds on average 12% more abundant in the later years of the survey.
This trend is largely attributable to the breeding success of the Red Capped Plover, by some margin the most
abundant of resident shorebirds, though only one of five resident species witnessed a decline in numbers
otherwise.
Diagram 2: Resident shorebird (day) count time series – 2005 to present
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Oct-05 Oct-06 Oct-07 Oct-08 Oct-09 Oct-10 Oct-11 Oct-12 Oct-13 Oct-14 Oct-15 Oct-16 Oct-17 Oct-18
Noosa River – Shorebird Survey Report 2019 Page 14
Page 15
A male Red-Capped Plover
(Charadrius ruficapillus) foraging on
sand flats in the Noosa River estuary.
Groups of over 20 individuals are
regularly sighted.
The Red-Capped Plover is both the only
shorebird species to have increased in
abundance and the only species to
have bred successfully in the Noosa
River.
Credit Bob Inglis.
Overall, to the extent analysis of the survey data permits, declines in numbers of migratory and some
resident shorebirds in the Noosa River survey correlate with population declines witnessed elsewhere in
Australia and along the EAAF 25. Moreover, research supports the thesis that factors at a local or regional
level were largely unable to account for variability in migratory shorebird populations between sites.
This is further discussed in Appendix 5.
A Hooded Dotterel (Thinornis
cucullatus) observed and
photographed in the Noosa River
in August, 2010. A resident
species, it is considered
vulnerable nationally.
The Hooded Dotterel has been
observed only three times in 14
years, all in 2010, and likely the
same individual.
Credit: Bob Inglis.
C. Migratory presence and breeding behavior
Extensive records were kept of the in- and out-bound cycles of all migratory shorebirds (and terns),
observed in the survey along with resident shorebirds known to transit regionally when conditions
permitted. Table 6 depicts the seasonal presence of all species in the Noosa River where sufficient data
exists to draw an inference.
25
Continental-scale decreases in shorebird populations in Australia (Clemens et al, 2016).
Noosa River – Shorebird Survey Report 2019 Page 15
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Table 6: Migratory species patterns of the Noosa River estuary
Common name Seasonal Last Species presence in Noosa River
frequency observed
Resident Tern J F M A M J J A S O N D
Caspian Tern 15 Sept-19
Greater Crested Tern 15 Sept-19
Australian Tern 14 Sept-19
Migratory Tern
Common Tern 15 May-19
Little Tern (Indo Pacific) 14 May-19
White-wing Tern 14 May-19
Resident Shorebirds
Beach-Stone Curlew 14 Sep-19
Pied Stilt 11 Sep-19
Masked Lapwing 14 May-19
Pied Oystercatcher 15 Sep-19
Red-capped Plover 15 Sep-19
Migratory Shorebirds
Bar-tailed Godwit 15 Sep-19
Broad-billed Sandpiper 1 Dec-18
Common Greenshank 14 Dec-18
Curlew Sandpiper 13 Nov-17
Double-Banded Plover 13 Aug-19
Far Eastern Curlew 13 Oct-17
Great Knot 7 Oct-17
Greater Sand Plover 15 Sep-19
Grey-tailed Tattler 15 Sep-19
Lesser Sand Plover 8 May-19
Pacific Golden Plover 15 Sep-19
Red-necked Stint 15 Feb-19
Red Knot 5 Dec-18
Ruddy Turnstone 12 Dec-18
Sanderling 1 Dec-18
Sharp-Tailed Sandpiper 14 Mar-19
Terek Sandpiper 4 Dec-18
Whimbrel (Eurasian) 15 Sep-19
Peak species presence
Some species presence
As Table 6 indicates, the majority of the 18 trans-hemisphere (EAAF) migrants arrive in early spring
(September) and depart after the summer (April) for their Northern summer breeding cycle. Nevertheless,
small numbers of these migrants including the Whimbrel, Pacific Golden Plover and previously the Bar-
Tailed Godwit have been observed to periodically “over winter” in the estuary though numbers exhibiting
this behavior have declined.
Amongst tern species, the Indo-Pacific Little Tern and White-winged Tern have been observed to follow
trans-hemisphere patterns whilst it was noted the abundant Greater Crested Tern, typically departed the
estuary in November each year, returning in late January from its breeding habitat off northern NSW. The
Australian Tern occasionally departed in the summer and bred inland when conditions permitted.
A Whimbrel (Numenius
phaeopus) captured “on the
wing” over the Noosa River
estuary. Another of the
migratory species of curlew
(Numenius) common to the
Noosa River, its long de-
curved bill is used to probe
mud flats by day and night for
invertebrates, crustaceans and
worms.
The Whimbrel (Eurasian) is
considered “secure” in
Australia and amongst the
most abundant and frequently
sited migratory shorebirds in
the Noosa River.
Credit Bob Inglis.
Noosa River – Shorebird Survey Report 2019 Page 16
Page 17
Evidence of breeding in the estuary was limited to three resident species - the Beach Stone-curlew, Red-
Capped Plover and Australian Pied Oystercatcher. The nest of each species typically consisted of no
more than a sand scrape above the high tide mark and disguised amid vegetation. Whilst courting
behavior, nests and occasionally eggs were observed amongst pairs of all three species, only the Red-
Capped Plover, a shorebird, was observed to be successful in raising chicks to adulthood in the estuary 26.
The inability of the other species to do likewise was concerning.
A pair of Australian Pied
Oystercatchers (Haematopus
longirostris) (female at front,
male at rear) as observed in
the Noosa River. Individuals of
the species have been known
to live to 22 years.
Though considered secure, the
entire Australian population
may not exceed 10,000
individuals.
Credit: Bob Inglis.
The speckled eggs and “nest” of an
Australian Pied Oystercatcher as
photographed in the Noosa River
estuary.
The resident pair of Australian Pied
Oystercatchers in the estuary are not
known to have hatched chicks - a
concerning occurrence for such a
slow breeding species.
Credit: Jill Dening.
26
Records were not maintained on breeding success rates for the Red-Capped Plover or any other species.
Noosa River – Shorebird Survey Report 2019 Page 17
Page 18
A pair of Beach stone-curlew
(Esacus magnitostris) at watch
in the Noosa River estuary. A
generally shy and nocturnal
species the Beach Stone-
curlew is considered vulnerable
in Queensland.
This resident pair of the species
in the Noosa River estuary are
not known to have hatched a
chick during the survey period.
Credit: Jill Dening.
7. Conservation
Results of the survey confirm a steady, albeit variable decline in numbers of migratory shorebirds visiting
the Noosa River estuary, though resilience in numbers of some resident species of shorebirds. To the
extent the data permits (see Appendix 4), the declines in migratory species reflects similar trends observed
across the EAAF.
Whilst beyond the scope of this report, recent research suggests that environmental influences at a trans-
hemisphere level (EAAF), as opposed to predominantly local factors, are primarily responsible for the
decline in species numbers observed. The loss of intertidal staging habitat in the Yellow Sea “bottleneck”
has been identified as disproportionately responsible for these declines 28, whilst the impact of climate
change on atmospheric and localised sea surface temperatures, ocean acidity and fish stocks is likely also
responsible. At a national level, declines in certain resident shorebird species, particularly species
frequenting inland areas, suggest disruption to wetland systems in Australia may be influential.
Nonetheless, localised influences including loss of roosting and foraging habitat or food sources, changes
in hydrology, predation and disturbance cannot be disregarded. Whilst the largely siliceous-sand based
habitat of the lower Noosa River survey area remained largely unchanged (but for localised movement and
sand replenishment works as described earlier), reduced seagrass and mangrove coverage, ongoing
sedimentation and declines in benthic biodiversity as identified in recent studies may well have contributed
to the declining abundance witnessed in certain species.
Anecdotal evidence of predation including on the sandbanks and islands of the estuary was also observed
and possibly attributable to introduced foxes, cats and dogs present around the estuary.
Disturbance of shorebirds, particularly migratory species, causing resting birds to repeatedly take flight, and
expending significant energy doing so, is possibly a factor in declining abundance given the survey area’s
proximity to urban areas and the high volume of traffic on and around the Noosa River estuary. Human activity,
particularly vehicular traffic on and around dunes, also risked destroying the fragile nests of resident shorebirds.
Indeed, disturbance of shorebirds was observed to occur with increasing frequency despite the access
restrictions imposed by Noosa Shire Council in 2007 to protect areas with the estuary.
28
The 2006-2008 Saemangeum shorebird monitoring program report (Moores et al, 2008); Threats to the Yellow Sea’s Tidal Wetlands (Murray et
al, 2014).
Noosa River – Shorebird Survey Report 2019 Page 18
Page 19
Four-wheel drive vehicle tracks emanating from
Noosa North shore, continuing well past restricted
access signage and into the Noosa River estuary.
Credit: Jill Dening.
Typical foredune vegetation
cover in the Noosa River
estuary opposite Noosa
Woods.
Sparse vegetation
nevertheless disguises the
easily disturbed nest of a pair
of Red-Capped Plovers, centre
of photo.
Credit: Jill Dening
.
Noosa River – Shorebird Survey Report 2019 Page 19
Page 20
Appendix 1: Shorebirds – a primer
The classification (and sub-grouping) of the numerous species of water birds observed in the Noosa River and
adopted in this report represents a simplification of the complex taxonomy of avian species, itself an ongoing
and fluid process. Species in this report have generally been referred to by their common or colloquial names
in Australia though these may differ between regions. Where particular sub species have been observed and
taxonomy is known, they have been identified as such.
Amongst water birds, this report has focused specifically on the presence and abundance of shorebird species,
also known as waders and members of the large (and incredibly diverse) Charadriiformes order which include
gulls, terms, skuas, skimmers and auks. The use of the interchangeable terms “shorebirds” or “waders” can
be misleading as several species infrequently wade (walk) or do not frequent shorelines. Nevertheless, most
shorebirds generally do gather in intertidal areas or on the fringes of freshwater wetlands, they have long legs
in relation to their body size, no webbing on their feet and they do not swim. The size and shape of their bills
are adapted to forage for their typical diet of crustaceans and worms.
Together shorebirds make up around 10% of Australia’s species of birds and whilst around 18 species are
considered resident or endemic to Australia, another 37 generally migrate each year including along the EAAF
discussed herein. A (very) high-level summary of the sub-groupings adopted for this report, their taxonomic
orders, key species and distinguishing features or behaviours are provided in Table 7 below.
Table 7 – Survey species sub-groupings
Group Taxonomic order(s) Key species Distinguishing features
Shorebirds Charadriiformes Plovers, Oystercatchers, Small to medium sized, long legs to body
Sandpipers, Curlews, Godwits, sized, adapted bills, no webbing between
Knots, Tattlers, Sanderling, Stints, toes, do not swim.
Stilts
Terns and Charadriiformes Terns, Gulls Small to medium sized, long winged, short
Gulls legs, web feet, can swim, feed on or under
water’s surface.
Water birds Procellariiformes, Pelicans, Egrets, Herons, Ibis, Small to large size, four toed web feet,
Suliformes, Ciconiiformes Storks, Cormorants gather in colonies, obtain all (or most) food
from water.
Wading birds Anseriformes Ducks, swans, geese Generally medium to large, webbed feet,
strong swimmers, broad and flattened bill,
filter feeders, moult all flight feathers at
once.
Sea birds Procellariiformes Petrels, Albatrosses, Frigatebirds, Generally medium to large. Tubular
Gannets. nostrils, webbed feet missing hind toe, feed
in saltwater.
Raptors Falconiformes, Accipitriformes Eagles, Kites, Osprey, Falcons Medium to large size, hooked upper beak,
clawed talons, keen eyesight, variable
morphology based on diet.
Noosa River – Shorebird Survey Report 2019 Page 20
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Appendix 2: Survey schedule
A total of 151 (day) surveys were conducted over the period October 2005 through October 2019. In
addition, 128 evening surveys of migratory terns were carried out over the period from October 2005
through April 2018, each coinciding with the date of day surveys. Table 8 sets out the survey schedule.
Table 8 – Schedule of surveys conducted by month
Calendar Year Surveys Survey month
conducted
J F M A M J J A S O N D
2005 2
2006 9 2
2007 4
2008 12
2009 12
2010 12
2011 11
2012 11
2013 11
2014 12
2015 12
2016 12
2017 12
2018 11
2019 YTD 8
Total 151
Appendix 3: Day and evening tern survey variations
Anecdotal observations upon commencement of surveys in 2005 indicated that large numbers of terns,
particularly migratory species, spent considerable portions of each day feeding outside the Noosa River
estuary. These terns were observed returning to the estuary late in the day and early evening to roost.
This behavior suggested surveys conducted during daylight tidal cycles would under-estimate tern
numbers roosting in the Noosa River estuary each evening.
To examine this thesis, a second early evening count either side of sunset was commenced in October
2005 to capture terns returning to the Noosa River estuary to roost. Observers noted terns returned almost
exclusively through the narrow river mouth proper and when observed against the evening light permitted
accurate surveying in flight. A total of 128 evening surveys from October 2005 through April 2018 have
been conducted to further examine this thesis.
As Diagram 3 below illustrates, surveys conducted in the early evening (from a sample of 23 of 128
surveys) observed an average 12,000 individuals returning to the Noosa River estuary, as compared to
2,000-3,800 individuals on average recorded within the estuary during daylight hours.
Hence, migratory tern numbers have been recorded and analysed using evening counts.
Diagram 3 – Noosa River migratory tern counts by day and evening
.
12,500
A. Sub-group species count numbers over survey period
10,000
7,500
5,000
[Insert
2,500graphs of species sub-group count numbers x 6 over survey period].
0
Low tide - Day High tide - Day Evening
Noosa River – Shorebird Survey Report 2019 Page 21
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Appendix 4: Non-shorebird population trends
In addition to the extensive data attained for shorebird species frequenting the estuary, the SSG also
captured considerable insights into the long term abundance and biodiversity of a range of other bird
species observed within the survey area including terns, gulls, water birds, wading birds and raptors. This
section presents those findings.
On average tern numbers, together representing up to 85% of all individual birds by number recorded in
any given survey, declined by 35% between the early and later years of the survey. Not unlike long term
trends in shorebird abundance, declines amongst migratory tern species (-48%), was significantly more
pronounced than amongst resident terns (-10%), indicating possible adverse influences at a trans-national
level as compared to regional or localised factors.
Table 9: Average tern count declines – 2007 to present 29
Group Annual average Annual average % Change
2007-2011 2015-2019
Migratory Terns 5,189 2,703 -48%
Resident Terns 525 473 -10%
All Terns 5,714 3,176 -35%
Diagram 4 and 5 provide times series and (linear) trends for survey counts of migratory and resident tern
groups. Population declines amongst migratory terns were due almost entirely to declining abundance of
principally the Common Tern, and to a lesser degree the Indo-Pacific Little Tern. The Common Tern is a
non-breeding visitor to the eastern seaboard of Australia from its breeding grounds in Siberia and very
occasionally North America. The Little Tern meanwhile is dispersed globally with distinct populations
known to breed and migrate within Australia and from Eurasia.
Amongst resident terns, the abundant Greater Crested Tern, represents over 90% of all resident tern
numbers. Seasonality witnessed in the resident tern trend series data highlights regional movements of
the Greater Crested Tern during breeding season.
A pair of Greater Crested Terns with their distinctive lemon yellow bills, captured at rest in the estuary. The distinctive black cap extending over
the eye of the individual at rear indicates breeding status. The Greater Crested Tern is a resident of Australia and was observed in every survey
conducted. Credit: Jill Dening
29
Due to insufficient survey data between October 2005 and September 2007 (see Appendix 1), those time series have been removed.
Noosa River – Shorebird Survey Report 2019 Page 22
Page 23
Diagram 4: Migratory Tern (day) count times series – 2005 to present
4,500
4,000
3,500
3,000
2,500
2,000
1,500
1,000
500
0
Oct-05 Oct-06 Oct-07 Oct-08 Oct-09 Oct-10 Oct-11 Oct-12 Oct-13 Oct-14 Oct-15 Oct-16 Oct-17 Oct-18
Four species of terns captured together and illustrating relative size. From left to right - the Greater Crested Tern (Thalasseus bergii), the
Common Tern (Sterna hirundo), the Australian Tern (Gelochelidon macrotarsa) and the Indo-Pacific Little Tern (Sternula albifrons sinensis).
Both the Common Tern and Little Tern are considered migrants. Credit: Shorebird Survey Group.
Noosa River – Shorebird Survey Report 2019 Page 23
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Diagram 5: Resident Tern (day) count time series - 2005 to present
5,000
4,500
4,000
3,500
3,000
2,500
2,000
1,500
1,000
500
0
Oct-05 Oct-06 Oct-07 Oct-08 Oct-09 Oct-10 Oct-11 Oct-12 Oct-13 Oct-14 Oct-15 Oct-16 Oct-17 Oct-18
A flock of the resident Greater Crested Tern (Thalasseus bergii), some in breeding plumage in the mouth of the Noosa River. Discrepancies in day
and evening tern counts based on their feeding behavior are further examined in Appendix 3. Credit Jill Dening
A decline in numbers of the only species of gull common to the estuary, the Silver Gull, is illustrated in
Diagram 6. Though this trend mirrors that observed amongst tern species, it may not adequately capture
its relative abundance as a ready scavenger in urban environments.
Noosa River – Shorebird Survey Report 2019 Page 24
Page 25
Diagram 6: Gull (day) count time series – 2005 to present
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
Oct-05 Oct-06 Oct-07 Oct-08 Oct-09 Oct-10 Oct-11 Oct-12 Oct-13 Oct-14 Oct-15 Oct-16 Oct-17 Oct-18
Diagram 7 illustrates the relative resilience in number of wading birds including several species of Egret
and Heron, though the modest overall population (on average around 10 individuals sighted per survey)
prevents genuine analysis. Moreover, the location of the survey sites in the Noosa River estuary adjacent
to the river mouth may not adequately capture those wading species which might be expected to be more
widely distributed amongst the inter-tidal mud flats of the lakes and creeks of the Noosa River system.
Diagram 7: Wading birds (day) count time series – 2005 to present
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Oct-05 Oct-06 Oct-07 Oct-08 Oct-09 Oct-10 Oct-11 Oct-12 Oct-13 Oct-14 Oct-15 Oct-16 Oct-17 Oct-18
Declines of around 20% in the total numbers of water birds per Diagram 8 is largely attributed to declines
witnessed amongst the more abundant Little Black Cormorant and Pied Cormorant species, though
numbers of all other species of water bird remained generally stable over the period. It is possible the
prolonged drought in parts of inland Australia could be contributing to this decline.
Noosa River – Shorebird Survey Report 2019 Page 25
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Diagram 8: Water bird (day) count time series – 2005 to present
500
450
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
Oct-05 Oct-06 Oct-07 Oct-08 Oct-09 Oct-10 Oct-11 Oct-12 Oct-13 Oct-14 Oct-15 Oct-16 Oct-17 Oct-18
As an overall indicator of ecosystem health, numbers of the four species of raptors present in the lower
estuary generally remained stable as illustrated in Diagram 9.
Diagram 9: Raptor (day) count time series – 2005 to present
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Oct-05 Oct-06 Oct-07 Oct-08 Oct-09 Oct-10 Oct-11 Oct-12 Oct-13 Oct-14 Oct-15 Oct-16 Oct-17 Oct-18
Noosa River – Shorebird Survey Report 2019 Page 26
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Appendix 5: Shorebird population research and survey trends
Given the small sample size and inconsistent sample periods, statistical comparison of the Noosa River
survey results against national or trans-national (EAAF) shorebird population trends was considered
problematic. Nevertheless, Table 6 provides a “high level” comparative summary of population trends
derived by Clemens et al (2016) at a national level for 19 species of migratory shorebirds and 7 species
of resident shorebird common to Australia and examined over the period 1973 – 2014 30. These results
are compared to those attained by the SSG in the Noosa River estuary over the period 2005 - 2019.
Whilst considerable disparity exists on a species-level basis, overall the population declines witnessed
amongst migratory species as compared to the relative resilience of resident shorebirds on a national level
broadly concur with those observed in the Noosa River estuary.
These trends extend to comparison on a regional basis, along a North-South axis at latitude 27.8 degrees
(the Noosa River estuary is located at approximately 26.4 degrees South or comparable to the “Northern”
data set), though again due care should be considered given the disparity in survey periods and the size
of the data set.
Table 9 – National shorebird population trends and Noosa survey results
Common name Population – Slope – Slope – Recent Noosa Noosa Count
National National 31 Northern peak trend
Migratory Shorebirds
Curlew Sandpiper 118,500 -9.53% -0.98% 1 Declining
Lesser Sand Plover 25,360 -7.16% -10.63% 2 -
Sharp-Tailed Sandpiper 140,550 -5.73% 8.34% 2 Declining
Terek Sandpiper 22,760 -5.40% -4.90% 1 -
Black-tailed Godwit 69,850 -5.38% -12.71% - -
Red-necked Stint 270,800 -3.35% -3.06% 10 Declining
Bar-Tailed Godwit 185,760 -3.22% -3.83% 43 Declining
Ruddy Turnstone 19,500 -3.17% -1.09% 3 -
Far Eastern Curlew 28,000 -2.97% -2.91% 1 Declining
Pacific Golden Plover 7,350 -2.02% -0.17% 52 Stable
Grey Plover 11,650 -2.02% 0.22% 1 -
Common Greenshank 18,900 -1.98% 0.36% 1 Declining
Red Knot 134,850 -1.65% 1.08% 1 -
Marsh Sandpiper 12,750 -0.90% -0.03% - -
Sanderling 10,010 0.08% 7.48% 1 -
Greater Sand Plover 74,330 0.54% 0.34% 1 Stable
Whimbrel 30,170 0.65% -1.12% 37 Stable
Great Knot 364,100 1.43% 0.01% 2 -
Grey-Tailed Tattler 44,810 1.93% 2.65% 1 Declining
Resident Shorebirds
Red-Necked Avocet - -2.87% 29.63% 1 -
Pied (Black-Winged) Stilt - -1.81% 7.64% 3 -
Black-Fronted Dotterel - -2.48% -0.07% - -
Red-Kneed Dotterel - -2.10% -2.09% - -
Red-Capped Plover - -0.67% 0.27% 45 Increasing
Sooty Oystercatcher - 0.89% -1.30% - -
Pied Oystercatcher - 1.43% 0.31% 2 Stable
30
“Continental-scale decreases in shorebird populations in Australia” (Clemens et al, 2016).
31
Slope = estimate of log-transformed counter per year (approximates % change in population per year).
Noosa River – Shorebird Survey Report 2019 Page 27
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Appendix 6: Survey results and RAMSAR conservation thresholds
Application of Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) in
protecting important habitat for shorebird species is contingent upon criteria set out in the RAMSAR
Convention (1971) and Wildlife Conservation Plan for Migratory Shorebirds (2015). Under these
frameworks, shorebird habitat is considered internationally important if it regularly supports 1% of the
population of any single water bird species (or sub-species) or total abundance of 20,000 water birds.
Failing that, shorebird habitat is considered nationally important, if regularly supports 0.1% of an EAAF
population OR at least 2,000 listed migratory shorebirds OR at least 15 listed migratory species.
Table 10 below provides a sample comparison of the recently revised population thresholds 32 for the 37
listed EAAF species and outcomes from the current Noosa River survey. Species count numbers for the
Noosa River reflect the maximum number of shorebirds for any given species observed in any survey over
the preceding 24 months. It is noted this does not directly align to the RAMSAR threshold of “regularly
supports”.
Table 10 – Noosa River shorebird numbers and RAMSAR conservation thresholds
Common name Revised EAAF 1% Flyway 0.1% Flyway Recent Noosa peak
Population Estimate Population Population survey numbers
Asian Dowitcher 14,000 140 14 Not present
Bar-tailed Godwit 325,000 3,250 325 43
Black-tailed Godwit 160,000 1,600 160 Not present
Broad-Billed Sandpiper 30,000 300 30 1
Common Greenshank 110,000 1,100 110 1
Common Redshank 75,000-150,000 750 75 Not present
Common Sandpiper 190,000 1,900 190 Not present
Curlew Sandpiper 90,000 900 90 1
Double-Banded Plover 19,000 190 19 22
Far Eastern Curlew 35,000 350 35 1
Great Knot 425,000 4,250 425 2
Greater Sand Plover 200,000-300,000 2,000 200 1
Grey Plover 80,000 800 80 Not present
Grey-Tailed Tattler 70,000 700 70 1
Latham’s Snipe 30,000 300 30 Not present
Lesser Sand Plover 180,000-275,000 1,800 180 2
Little Curlew 110,000 1,100 110 Not present
Little Ringed Plover 150,000 1,500 150 Not present
Long-toed Stint 230,000 2,300 230 Not present
Marsh Sandpiper 130,000 1,300 130 Not present
Oriental Plover 230,000 2,300 230 Not present
Oriental Pratincole 2,880,000 28,800 2,880 Not present
Pacific Golden Plover 120,000 1,200 120 52
Pectoral Sandpiper 1,220,000-1,930,000 12,200 1,220 Not present
Pin-tailed Snipe 170,000 1,700 170 Not present
Red Knot 110,000 1,100 110 1
Red-necked Phalarope 250,000 2,500 250 Not present
Red-necked Stint 475,000 4,750 475 Not present
Ruddy Turnstone 30,000 3,00 30 3
Ruff 25,000-100,000 250 25 Not present
Sanderling 30,000 3,00 30 1
Sharp-Tailed Sandpiper 85,000 850 85 Not present
Swinhoe’s Snipe 40,000 400 40 Not present
Terek Sandpiper 50,000 500 50 1
Wandering Tattler 10,000-25,000 100 10 Not present
Whimbrel 65,000 650 65 37
Wood Sandpiper 130,000 1,300 130 Not present
Total species supported Threshold > 15
Total species abundance Threshold > 2,000
32
Revision of the East Asian-Australasian Flyways Population Estimates for 37 listed Migratory Shorebird Species (Hansen et al, Sept 2016).
Noosa River – Shorebird Survey Report 2019 Page 28
Page 29
Appendix 7: Species and status listed
For the purposes of this report, species have been referred to using their common or colloquial name and
taxonomy as prescribed by the IOC World Bird List (version 10.1, February 2020) - an open access
resource of the international community of ornithologists (www.worldbirdnames.org). It is noted,
classifications adopted by the IOC may differ slightly from other primary lists (e.g. Clements, Howard &
Moore, Bird Life) due to differences in primary goals and / or taxonomic philosophy. Table 11 below details
the current conservation status of all species observed in the Noosa River over the survey period on an
international (IUCN 33), national (EPBC 34) and state (NCA 35) basis.
Table 11 – Noosa River shorebird and raptor species by current conservation status
Common name (sub specie) Taxon scientific name IUCN Status EPBC Status NCA Status
International Federal Queensland
Resident Tern
Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia Least concern Secure Least concern
Greater Crested Tern Thalasseus bergii Least concern Secure Least concern
Australian Tern Gelochelidon macrotarsa Least concern Secure Least concern
Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida Least concern Secure Least concern
Migratory Tern
Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea Least concern Secure Least concern
Common Tern Sterna hirundo Least concern Secure Least concern
Little Tern (Indo-Pacific) Sternula albifrons sinensis Least concern Endangered Least concern
White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus Least concern Secure Least concern
Resident Shorebirds
Australian Pratincole Stiltia isabella Least concern Secure Least concern
Banded Lapwing Vanellus tricolor Least concern Secure Least concern
Beach-Stone Curlew Esacus magnirostris Near threatened Secure Vulnerable
Pied Stilt Himantopus leucocephalus Least concern Secure Least concern
Hooded Dotterel Thinornis cucullatus Vulnerable Vulnerable Least concern
Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles Least concern Secure Least concern
Australian Pied Oystercatcher Haematopus longirostris Least concern Secure Least concern
Red-capped Plover Charadrius ruficapillus Least concern Secure Least concern
Red-necked Avocet 36 Recurvirostra novahollandiae Least concern Secure Least concern
Migratory Shorebirds
Bar-tailed Godwit (Nunivak) Limosa lapponica baueri Near threatened Vulnerable Vulnerable
Broad-Billed Sandpiper Calidris falcinellus Least concern Secure Least concern
Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia Least concern Secure Least concern
Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea Near threatened Critically Endangered Endangered
Double-Banded Plover Charadrius bicinctus Least concern Secure Least concern
Far Eastern Curlew Numenius madagascariensis Endangered Critically Endangered Endangered
Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris Endangered Critically Endangered Endangered
Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii Least concern Vulnerable Vulnerable
Grey-tailed Tattler Tringa brevipes Near threatened Secure Least concern
Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus Least concern Endangered Endangered
Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva Least concern Secure Least concern
Red Knot (North East Siberian) Calidris canutus rogersi Near threatened Endangered Endangered
Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis Near threatened Secure Least concern
Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres Least concern Secure Least concern
Sanderling Calidris alba Least concern Secure Least concern
Sharp-Tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata Least concern Secure Least concern
Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus Least concern Secure Least concern
Whimbrel (Eurasian) Numenius phaeopus Least concern Secure Least concern
Gulls
Silver Gull Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae Least concern Secure Least concern
Wading Birds
Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca Least concern Secure Least concern
Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus Near threatened Secure Least concern
Great Egret Ardea alba Least concern Secure Least concern
Little Egret Egretta garzetta Least concern Secure Least concern
Striated Heron Butorides striata Least concern Secure Least concern
White-Faced Heron Egretta novaehollandiae Least concern Secure Least concern
Water Birds
Australasian Darter Anhinga novahollandiae Least concern Secure Least concern
Australian Pelican Penecanus conspicillatus Least concern Secure Least concern
Black Swan Cygnus atratus Least concern Secure Least concern
Chestnut Teal Anas castanea Least concern Secure Least concern
Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo Least concern Secure Least concern
Little Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris Least concern Secure Least concern
Little Pied Cormorant Microcarbo melanoleucos Least concern Secure Least concern
Australian Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius Least concern Secure Least concern
Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa Least concern Secure Least concern
Seabirds
Australasian Gannet Morus serrator Least concern Secure Least concern
Great Frigate bird Fregata minor Least concern Secure Least concern
33
International Union for Conservation of Nature’s “Red List” (www.iucnredlist.org)
34
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) (www.environment.gov.au)
35
Nature Conservation Act (Qld)(1992) and Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 2006 (Schedules 1-5)(www.legislation.qld.gov.au)
36
At the commencement of the survey in 2005, the Red-Necked Avocet was incorporated into the survey database within the sub-group of wading
birds per then accepted practice. The single sighting of the Red-Necked Avocet is hence included in the wading bird sub-group for this analysis.
Noosa River – Shorebird Survey Report 2019 Page 29
Page 30
Table 11 – Noosa River shorebird and raptor species by current conservation status (cont’d)
Common name (sub specie) Taxon scientific name IUCN Status EPBC Status NCA Status
International Federal Queensland
Raptor
Black Kite Milvus migrans Least concern Secure Least concern
Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus Least concern Secure Least concern
Eastern Osprey Pandion cristatus Least concern Secure Least concern
Nankeen Kestrel Falco cenchroides Least concern Secure Least concern
White Bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster Least concern Secure Least concern
Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus Least concern Secure Least concern
Noosa River – Shorebird Survey Report 2019 Page 30
Page 31
Photo of a Bar-Tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica baueri) foraging in the Noosa River estuary. Credit Bob Inglis.
Noosa Integrated Catchment Association Inc.
52 Doonella Street, Tewantin, 4565, QLD
www.noosariver.com.au
075 449 9650
Noosa River – Shorebird Survey Report 2019 Page 31