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Shorebirds at Lower Maroochy River

The Lower Maroochy River is a high value shorebird habitat thanks to its sandbanks and mudflats.

Shorebirds at Lower Maroochy River
Whimbrel and bar-tailed godwit

View the map of shorebird habitat in Maroochy River (PDF, 1.17MB).

Lower Maroochy River shorebird species

Spotting shorebirds

View this map to for the best locations to see shorebirds at the Lower Maroochy River. Shorebirds are best observed during low tide using binoculars or a spotting scope.

Here is a sample of the shorebirds you might spot.

Shorebird surveys

Regular surveys take place at the Lower Maroochy River, as part of the Shorebird conservation action plan.

Recent sightings include:

Maroochy River 30 October 2023

  • far eastern curlew (critically endangered)
  • bar-tailed godwit (vulnerable)
  • whimbrel
  • pacific golden plover
  • red-capped plover
  • red-necked stint
  • grey-tailed tattler
  • pied oystercatcher
  • pied stilt.

Maroochy River 31 August 2023

  • whimbrel
  • eastern curlews
  • beach stone-curlew
  • >1000 terns
  • egrets and herons.

Maroochy River winter survey July 2023

  • bar-tailed godwit
  • beach stone-curlew
  • double-banded plover
  • grey-tailed tattler
  • pacific golden plover
  • pied oystercatcher
  • red-capped plover
  • royal spoonbill
  • pied stilt
  • whimbrel
  • >150 terns (common, crested, little, caspian).