Better protection of birds urged on beaches

Conservationists are calling for more “bird-friendly” beaches around Geraldton when migrating shorebirds are present and others are nesting in the dunes.

Birdlife Australia representative Alice Bishop said dogs were an increasing problem.

Ms Bishop said migrating shorebirds visiting Geraldton from as far away as the Arctic Circle were all on the “threatened” list, with many species either endangered or critically endangered species.

She said none of the species that nested on Geraldton beaches appeared to be breeding successfully.

“Some people encourage their dogs to chase birds, which can be lethal to migratory birds and to chicks,” she said.

“Our group advocates for bird-friendly beaches where dogs are under control.”

Ms Bishop said her group had been distributing educational posters on the subject to pet shops and vet surgeries.

She said the Batavia Coast Maritime Institute, the Northern Agricultural Catchments Council and the City of Greater Geraldton had agreed to her group placing temporary signs asking people to keep dogs on a lead.

Scientist Indre Asmussen, who studied Abrolhos shorebirds for her PdD, said she had seen temporary signs used in Europe which could work well here as most Geraldton shorebird activity occurred from August-April.

She said much feeding activity also followed the seaweed “wrack”.

“Every big storm event and high tide they will move, and the birds move with them,” she said.

“If some beach wrack turns up, we could have mobile signs.”

Former Conservation and Land Management lecturer Irene Ghannage said she took her dogs to Geraldton beaches regularly and used the trips to collect plastic pollution.

After 11 years visiting Geraldton’s beaches, she said many other dog owners had started taking the litter home.