 Consistent Data Collection
The more precise we can be in providing factual information on shorebird populations and the threats they face the more likely that information can be used to guide conservation.
Natural population fluctuations due to variation in breeding success, mortality, etc. can be quite large in migratory shorebird populations. Add to this the possibility of differences in the way shorebirds move around in Australia, and it is not surprising to find that count data from any one location varies from year to year. There are, however, four other possible sources of annual count variation that we will be trying to minimize.
First, annual counts will vary if the areas surveyed vary from year to year. To ensure that the same area is counted in successive years, and to ensure any changes in the area covered are recorded detailed maps of each area to be counted will be available (we have been relying on local expertise to tell us what the count area boundaries should be).
 Second, there are some areas where local movements of birds in the non-breeding season can be quite large. Therefore, we will be seeking to have adjacent wetlands counted at the same time, and we will be looking to increase the number and kinds of areas visited, so that the entire area that a group of shorebirds may be found in can be surveyed or sampled in each year.
Third, it is critical for data analysis that count areas continue to be surveyed even if there are only a few or no birds there. The small groups of shorebirds can in some areas result in large annual count variation when not recorded consistently, but analysis also becomes much more powerful and useful if an area is visited repeatedly with data collected no matter how many or how few shorebirds were there. By ensuring that data is recorded no matter how many birds are there, we can begin to quantify the kinds of changes that are correlated to changes in the number of shorebirds using an area, do more meaningful habitat analysis etc.
 Fourth, frequent and consistent data collection at a wetland allows us to accurately assess the importance of a wetland for shorebirds. Some areas are used only at certain times of year or in certain conditions, and at present a wetland will not be identified as important unless it is used regularly by a threshold number of birds. Often it takes monthly surveys to accurately assess the maximum number of shorebirds using an area annually, and only with monthly surveys do you pick up all the shorebird species using an area. Ideally where possible we will be recommending 14 surveys at any wetland per year.
- January, 4 surveys
- February, 2 surveys in first half of the month
- March, 1 survey
 April, 1 survey- Late June or early July, 1 survey
- September, 1 survey
- October, 1 survey
- November, 1 survey
- December, 2 surveys
We understand however, that this kind of coverage will not be possible in all sites, but will be aiming for a minimum of two January counts, and one winter count.
The two graphs shown here are examples of some transformed count data. The first one is showing some variation in count total from year to year, but generally a consistent number of shorebirds are recorded each year, suggesting a slight decline for this species in this area. The second graph shows transformed count data for another species. While this kind of variation may simply be a reflection of the biological reality for that species in that area, we are hopeful that some slight changes to the count methods, and increases in the number of areas visited might give us results over time that look more like the first graph.
 Finally, it is critical that we begin to collect data on the likely causes of changes in population numbers. I have talked to many shorebird experts around the country who have described the loss of shorebird numbers in their area, and given descriptions of likely causes. Unfortunately that kind of information has not been centrally reported, and often has not been collected at the same time as shorebird counts. Having this kind of data available would go along way toward being able to make recommendations regarding planned activities that may impact shorebirds.
How to Identify Shorebirds
Downloads
 Press Quality Shorebird ID Sheets (2mb)
Email Quality Shorebird ID Sheets (883kb)
Initial List of Priority Sites and Species (31kb)
MYSMA paper (592kb)
 Project Aims, Priorities and Methods (440kb)
Links
Department of Environment - waterbirds
The Australian Government is conserving migratory waterbirds through a number of international agreements such as the Ramsar Convention and the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), and throughout the East Asian- Australasian Flyway, bilateral migratory bird agreements with Japan (JAMBA) and China (CAMBA).
Australasian Wader Study Group
The group is an non-government organisation dedicated to studying waders (otherwise known as shorebirds) throughout the East-Asian Australasian Flyway. There are about 330 members, of which 90 are from Asia.
WWF-Australia is part of the WWF International Network - the world's largest independent conservation organisation - whose mission is to stop the degradation of the planet's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature.
Wetlands International Oceania
Provides and supports regional initiatives for greater awareness of, and attention to, wetlands conservation. It identifies the responsible government agencies and NGOs in each country in the Oceania region and strives to provide or locate technical and financial support to national priority actions for wetland conservation.
Birds Korea
Learn about some of the habitat loss happening in the Yellow sea (sign a petition etc). Saemanguem is the name of the area that has been reclaimed in Korea, resulting in the loss of habitat used by over 100,000 migratory shorebirds as they refuel on their long migrations.
Hunter Wetlands Centre Australia
The Hunter Wetland Centre Australia aims to increase understanding of and appreciation for wetlands through communication, education and public awareness.
Queensland Wader Study Group
QWSG homepage, a special interest group of Birds Queensland.
Victorian Wader Study Group
The VWSG's primary objective is to conduct a long-term comprehensive study of waders and terns throughout Victoria. The VWSG is a non-profit organisation and is made up of around 140 volunteers.
Geelong's Wetlands
A good web-site on the wetlands in Geelong and a shorebird conservation partnership between the City of Nagoya in Japan and the City of Greater Geelong. Both areas have web-cams you can use to watch the birds in either city.
Bar-tailed Godwit Story
Maps and descriptions of the long journey of a Bar-tailed Godwit that travelled from New Zealand to Alaska and back again.
Yellow Sea
Information on the importance of the Yellow sea
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Conservation 
