The shoreline at Botany Bay came alive with curiosity, wonder and a deep appreciation for nature on Saturday 28 February, as around 35 enthusiastic participants gathered for the inspiring Farewell to the Shorebirds information sessions.

Shorebird experts from BirdLife Australia and Oatley Flora and Fauna Conservation Society were on hand to share their knowledge, answer questions and help attendees truly connect with these extraordinary visitors. A powerful spotter scope allowed everyone - from seasoned birdwatchers to first-time observers - to enjoy remarkable close-up views of the birds in action.

And what a spectacle it was.

Attendees saw a range of shorebirds including the migratory Bar-tailed Godwits, the critically endangered Eastern Curlew and other shorebirds including Pied Oyster Catches and Caspian Terns.

The sessions were timed for the lowering tide which is when the Godwits come across from their roost on Towra Point to feed on the soldier crabs at Dolls Point.

Migratory birds, like the Godwits and Eastern Curlews migrate form the Arctic to Australia and NZ every September.
The Bar-tailed Godwits have been recorded as having the longest non-stop flight of any bird - a journey of 11,000 km when they fly non-stop form the Arctic to Botany Bay.

On the journey the Godwits lose half their body weight and must spend the whole summer feeding to regain weight and condition before they fly back to the Arctic in April to breed.

Disturbances from people and dogs while feeding reduces their ability to put on weight and therefore the chances of them being able to return to the Arctic and breed. If these birds don't get enough to eat while they are here, they will die.

The number of migratory shorebirds in Botany Bay and other parts of the world are declining each year due to habitat loss.