Moreton Bay
Traditional Owners: Quandamooka, Kabi Kabi, Yuggera
Ramsar site: Moreton Bay (Site Number: 41)
Flyway Network Site: Moreton Bay (EAAF013)
Key Biodiversity Area – Moreton Bay and Pumicestone Passage
Moreton Bay extends 125km from Caloundra to Surfers Paradise, and is 35km across at its widest point. It covers 1523km² and includes 360 islands. The tidal range is generally 1.5-2.0m with king tides to 2.5m. To the east lie Moreton Island and Minjerribah (North and South Stradbroke Island). To the west, the coastline of mainland Australia and the suburbs of Greater Birsbane. Note that this includes sites in Pumicestone Passage.
In 1993 large areas of Moreton Bay with a total area exceeding 113,000 hectares were recognised as wetlands of international significance under the Ramsar Wetland Convention 1971. Protection is afforded on a state level through the Moreton Bay Marine Park and surrounding national parks. Local government also plays a vital role in management of the shorelines of Moreton Bay.
More details about the shorebirds of Moreton Bay can be found here:
Shorebird counting in Moreton Bay
QWSG surveys over 120 sites in Moreton Bay (including Pumicestone Passage) of which approximately 55 are surveyed regularly. Most surveys are conducted on a designated weekend each month to provide a snapshot of shorebird abundance and distribution at high tide throughout the bay. Counts are also provided by members at other times during the month.
Shorebird Abundance
Moreton bay
Monthly counts performed on scheduled weekends for each survey site were summated for each shorebird year*. The highest total recorded allows evaluation of the national and international significance of Moreton Bay for that species. The averages indicate numbers seen over time. Summer (Oct-Mar) and Winter (Apr-Sep) values reveal migratory patterns.
*Shorebird year – commences in September and finishes in August.
Migratory Shorebirds – Yearly Trends
Moreton Bay
Click on the name of a shorebird to see a chart of the highest monthly count for each year since 2015. Numbers seen in Moreton Bay do not necessarily reflect global popualtions. Factors throughout the breeding grounds, wintering grounds and the flyway are all at play. Consult the scientific literature for analyses.
Migratory shorebirds – Monthly trends
Moreton Bay
The dropdown list to the right allows you to choose a shorebird species. The plot will allow you to visualise the species abundance during different months of the year.
Resident Shorebirds – Yearly trends
Moreton Bay
Other common waterbirds
Moreton Bay