The wetlands of Moreton Bay are internationally recognised as a vital stopover and feeding ground for thousands of migratory shorebirds that travel incredible distances along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway. Each year, species such as the Eastern Curlew, Bar-tailed Godwit, and Red-necked Stint arrive from as far away as Siberia and Alaska to rest and refuel on the mudflats and sandbanks near the Port of Brisbane. These wetlands are not only a sanctuary for birds but also a delicate and dynamic ecosystem that supports crabs, molluscs, seagrass beds, and countless other organisms, all playing a role in the complex coastal food web.
For young learners, this living landscape becomes a remarkable outdoor classroom. In the Year 3 program Birds and Beaches, Dogs and Leashes, students visit the Port of Brisbane Shorebird Roost to witness these birds up close in their natural habitat. Through guided observation and identification activities, they discover how different species rely on the wetlands for survival and explore the special adaptations that enable shorebirds to thrive. Students also consider the human connection to this environment, investigating how recreation, industry, and conservation intersect along the coast. By engaging in hands-on fieldwork, they learn about the challenges shorebirds face - including habitat loss, disturbance from dogs, and global environmental pressures - and reflect on the shared responsibility we all have in protecting these extraordinary ecosystems for the future.
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