Barubbra Island continues to prove its value as a critical habitat for shorebirds. Recent camera monitoring captured Great Knots (Calidris tenuirostris) resting on an artificial roost during high tide, a structure designed to provide safe refuge when natural coastal areas are submerged. This follows earlier sightings of other shorebird species, reinforcing the island’s role as a vital sanctuary in the Bundaberg region.
Shorebirds, including migratory species like the Eastern Curlew and resident Great Knots, rely on coastal habitats for feeding, resting, and breeding. These areas are essential for foraging on invertebrates in mudflats and for resting during high tides when feeding grounds are inundated. However, habitat loss from coastal development, climate change, and human disturbance threatens their survival. Initiatives like Barubbra’s artificial roost are critical, offering secure, elevated resting sites that support shorebirds’ energy-intensive lifestyles, particularly for migratory species traveling thousands of kilometers along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway.
These sightings highlight the project’s success and provide an opportunity to raise awareness about Barubbra Island’s ecological importance. By protecting these habitats, we safeguard biodiversity and support global migratory networks. BMRG encourages community involvement through monitoring and educational events to ensure shorebirds thrive.
Funded by Gladstone Ports Corporation, this initiative reflects a commitment to preserving shorebird habitats.