Shorebird disturbance at Buckley's Hole

(The following article is based on two emails I sent to the Birding Australia Mailing List in 2008, describing the disturbance to shorebirds at Buckley's Hole. Initial feedback claimed that I was being precious and ultra-puritan, that it wasn't 'real' bird-disturbing and that you didn't see one drop dead of exhaustion.)

Bribie Island is a relatively small sandy island, some 70km north of Brisbane Queensland, Pumicestone Passage separates Bribie Island from the mainland and Buckley's Hole is a small conservation park at the south-western corner of Bribie Island.

Please take a moment to consider the annual life cycle of our migratory shorebirds. Typically, each year, they undergo a round trip of some 20,000 km, spending their non-breeding time here in Australia. During that time they must gain sufficient energy for the return journey to their northern breeding grounds. They feed whenever they can, as the tides allow, and on high tides must rest and preen, not wasting the energy gained. However, I rarely see roosting shorebirds at Buckley's Hole remain undisturbed throughout a high tide. It takes either poor weather, or a major sporting event, to keep people away. This disturbance often involves hundreds of birds and, in previous years when numbers were generally higher, thousands of birds. This is, indeed, "bird-disturbing". You may never have "seen one drop dead of exhaustion" but how many fail to reach their breeding grounds because they have run out of fuel, a journey now becoming increasingly difficult, as many of their wetland staging posts overseas are being reclaimed? And how many fail to arrive in time to breed successfully? It's an absolute nightmare trying to reduce the disruption to shorebird roosts in the Pumicestone Passage region but, hopefully, the message is gradually getting  across.

Disturbance is particularly harmful at Buckley's Hole as it has been one of the few places in the area where shorebirds can still roost on king tides. And the spit is getting larger, which has led to it being virtually joined to the mainland at both ends at low tide. This leads to folk getting used to being able to use the area for whatever and thinking that it is an okay place to be. Although dog walkers are probably the worst offenders, as dogs will chase shorebirds with enthusiasm, fishermen are almost as much of a problem. Even when stationary, they often line up along the spit, and just one positioned where shorebirds need to move to as the tide rises is enough to force the birds to abandon the roost. Then we have folk just out for a stroll or a sunbathe, boats moored too close, jetskis zapping past, etc., etc. Another worry is when the disturbance is caused by officialdom, birders or bird photographers, as other people will assume that it's acceptable to be on the sand spit and it doesn't matter if those "gulls" are flying around. It is a valid point to suggest having extra signage, and this is something that we might be close to achieving. But there really needs to be a concerted effort to prevent all access to the sand spit, especially during high summer tides.

Surely it's not being "ultra-puritan" or "precious" to try and help shorebirds survive these constant challenges? The authorities also deplore shorebird disturbance and the Moreton Bay Marine Park Zoning Plan states that disturbing shorebirds is an offence that attracts an on-the-spot fine of $225. And if the matter proceeds to a court hearing the Magistrate may allocate a greater penalty. Disturbance is disturbance, even if only minimal and even if there are worse culprits than you. Please help to reduce the problem rather than contribute to it!

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