Hi,
A quick scan of the Cairns Esplanade this morning produced a few
interesting birds. The biggest surprise was 2 Little Curlew, quite
uncommon on the mudflats or in the Cairns area for that matter. 2 Beach
Stone-curlews were foraging around at the northern end and eating crabs,
they have been regular around here for the last few weeks. One
Broad-billed Sandpiper was found for a visiting American birdo plus
there was good numbers of Great Knot, Curlew Sandpiper, Sharp-tailed
Sandpiper, Red-necked Stint, Terek Sandpiper, Bar-tailed and
Black-tailed Godwit, Eastern Curlew and Whimbrel. There was only a few
Lesser Golden Plover, Grey-tailed Tattler, Lesser Sandplover & Greater
Sandplover and one Little Tern. Along with the egrets, ibis, gulls,
terns and dickie birds a total of 39 species in 30 mins.
The swimming lagoon is progressing at the southern end and is due for
completion in Jan.2003. So far it has not had any noticible impact on
the birds. A recent draft management plan for the esplanade, put out by
the council for comment did state in one of the key outcomes that the
protection of bird habitat and the maintenance of the natural atmosphere
was paramount. We did put a submission in for this plan (on behalf of
the Birds Australia-North Queensland Group), which actually stated that
the foreshore area is a Nature Park, not sure how much weight that
carries. However the plan also said it was a RAMSAR site which it is not
- it does fulfil some of the criteria required though. There is hope
yet, still keeping an eye on "progress". We need to cultivate local
pride in having such a valuable asset in the heart of the city and as
others have said emphasis the monetary benefit of recreational
birdwatching, to this area - this is the only language understood by our
leaders.
Cheers,
Keith & Lindsay Fisher
Cairns, (16°55' 40"S 145° 46' 35"E)
Far North Queensland 4870 Australia
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