Each year the BBO hosts a Wave the Waders Goodbye Event. We hold this event at the peak time to witness masses of shorebird migration (this is directed by the migration data which has been collected by BBO staff for the past thirty years). It’s a fantastic community event, usually around 100 guests join us on the shores of Roebuck Bay, some hoping to witness shorebird migration for the first time, others, enjoying an excuse to relax in Roebuck Bay.

For other visitors, like Broome’s own Olive Birchall (aged 7) it is a chance to exercise those researcher-muscles and help the BBO staff to capture some important data. This month’s blog has been written by Olive on her wonderful reflection of the Wave the Wader Goodbye Event.

Enjoy:

On Saturday afternoon Mum , Otto and I hopped in the car and drove on the dusty , hot road to the amazing bird observatory. We were going for something very special- to farewell the wader birds as they leave for their big journey north, across the globe.

Otto joining in for Wave the Waders Goodbye

When we finally got there we headed down the usual track to the beach. Once we had finished going down THAT one we walked along the beach until we reached the wave the waders goodbye event. We had brought along some raspberry, blueberry, and mango muffins to share with everyone; Jane, and some others.

Then, we set down our picnic rug on the pindany ground and played with our friends that had come. Later I got out my mini booklet and started counting birds. I looked through the telescope first. Then I used my binoculars to spot the birds, while sitting up on the bank.

Nyil came over and asked me to add my numbers to the big book of migrating birds tally. It was hard to count the birds when they were passing quickly overhead in a big flock.

Otto, Oliva and Nyil recording some data

I finally added all the numbers together and I think it was {I’m not quite sure yet }:

148 Whimbrels,

37 Greenshanks,

80 Black-tailed godwits

2 Pelicans

16 Ducks

I loved going to the bird observatory and I can’t wait until next year!!!

!!!!!!!

Olive Waves the Waders Goodbye