Early in September, Birds Tasmania played host to the Australasian Wader Study Group's 7th conference. Mike Newman, a long time Tasmanian birding stalwart, now a NSW resident, asked me to co-author a paper on long term observations on Pied Oystercatchers in South-East Tasmania. (I should mention here that I may have been the catalyst for Mike's long term interest and study of Pied Oystercatchers, and my contribution to the paper was minimal and 'historic' rather than recent). I'm not big on meetings these days, and I was surprised that I managed to 'survive' two days of papers and discussion. Probably tempered by meeting both old friends and new, who have a passion for the conservation of shorebirds.I am not a member of AWSG these days--I was party to its' foundation--and I was for the most part a passive observer. But, there's always a but, after listening to the many papers on the state of play in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (the route taken by waders flying between breeding grounds and wintering sites), I could only say it's pretty horrific. I was rash enough to voice my 'horror' of the decline of migrant wader numbers and destruction (euphemistically referred to as "reclamation") of their feeding grounds, particularly in South East Asia, and notably in South Korea. I also felt that the next conference would be reporting on further declines, but little would have been done about it. Ken Gosbell, chair of AWSG, countered by saying that "it's not all doom and gloom", and a discussion followed. There were some bright spots, but even on the Australian scene, sharing beach habitat with the general populace was of concern. Compliance with limits placed on beach use for bird conservation, by dog owners especially, was extremely low (I seem to recall about 17% in one study!). So even with these limitations in place, it's a struggle for our shorebirds. Ken did mention the close cooperation with Birds Korea and other overseas groups, and that was heartening, adding that a wealth of information has been gathered showing this serious decline in wader numbers. But I couldn't help feeling that the whole debate needs to be voiced at a higher level, and become a mainstream issue for conservation groups generally. I can only say that I was left feeling rather depressed--it may not be "all doom and gloom", but it's getting perilously close!
Birds Tasmania (chaired by Eric Woehler), deserves to be congratulated on a well run conference--the company and the refreshments were excellent.
6 comments:
I have a friend who attended the conference too and she came back pretty depressed with the whole outlook as well. Still - its not a reason to give up on our own little areas. We may be can't change overseas - but we might change local habits! (My words in this but mostly her thoughts.)
Hi Mick,
Yes it's very hard to expect other countries, at a different stage in their development, to conform with our expectations. Particularly when we can't convince 'locals' to respect, or even conform to rules meant to protect our own bird habitats.
While the AWSG does a great job of collecting data and IDing areas needing protection around the flyway, they're not 'equipped', IMHO, to use that information to the full. Professional birders are reluctant, quite understandably, to use emotive language when discussing these issues. However, in a World where perception is greater than reality, emotive language is needed to get the message to a wider audience, and put them 'onside' Thanks for your comments.
Hi Alan,
All I can add is don't forget the power of a good image - often better than words! Documenting birds in their natural habitat is essential in the 'fight'to create awareness. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for your thoughts Penny. To a point I agree, and in many cases images are critical to the argument. But I often feel that some of the TV docos on wildlife might give the impression that all's right with the World. People sit in their lounge rooms and let the feeling of wellbeing waft over them. Not realising that they play an important part in looking after the environment when they walk, 4WD or take their dog(s) out, and moderate their behaviour accordingly. I've also stood and watched fellow bird photographers--unbeknown to them-- indulge in less than "ideal" behaviour. But perhaps I shouldn't cast the first stone!
You raise valid points, and I admit to moderating my behavior as I learn. However I feel in the current situation numerous bird species are already being compromised by thoughtless or uneducated human intervention, so to give them (birds) a 'voice' through sensitive image taking, is a necessary evil.
Hi Penny, you're quite right in pointing out that there is a learning curve when it comes to photographing birds, and learn how not to be too intrusive. My comments were aimed at 2 "gentlemen" I observed whose sole interest was obviously in getting images. In one instance, pursuing roosting waders relentlessly and without any care, tripod and camera held high, marching toward the birds until they finally departed! I've seen over keen "counters" do similarly, so perhaps we all need to take stock of our behaviour from time to time. Understanding bird behaviour, which takes a substantial period of time to learn, should be a first requisite before even contemplating photography. Good bushcraft might be the second. I'm not suggesting that I've never overstepped that "line" on occasions, hopefully rather less often these days.
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