Re: Broad-billed SP at Stockton Sandspit

As many of the long-time Hunter birdos would be aware, Broad-billed Sandpipers were once a relatively common bird in the Hunter Estuary.  Fred Van Gessel used to record them in their hundreds (in the '60's and '70's ?).  When I was involved in wader surveys in the early and mid '90's I used to see the odd bird annually among the other small waders at the high tide roosts.

This is just the tip of the iceberg as other species, notable Mongolian Plover, Lesser Golden Plover and Terek Sandpiper have also undergone serious declines.  I was particularly alarmed at recent surveys showing further declines in what I thought were abundant species such as Curlew Sandpiper (still in reasonable numbers but less than 50% of my counts only a decade ago!).

Serious cause for concern.  I sincerely believe them problem is not local but to be found on the bird's migration route.  Plenty of discussion on this in the archives if people are interested.

Cheers

David Geering
Regent Honeyeater Recovery Coordinator
Department of Environment & Conservation
P.O. Box 2111
Dubbo  NSW  2830
Ph: 02 6883 5335 or Freecall 1800 621 056
Fax: 02 6884 9382



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