Fun festival celebrates return of ‘little miracles’

It’s almost time to welcome migratory shorebirds back to the Sunshine Coast!

Sunshine Coast Council invites the community to celebrate their arrival with two free family-friendly events that will be jam packed with fun activities for everyone.

From face painting to art and craft activities, there's something for every young adventurer.

Festival highlights include an outdoor movie screening of Flyways: The Story of Migratory Shorebirds, where you'll witness the incredible journey these birds make across continents.

Join us at Fraser Park, Golden Beach, on September 23, and at Cotton Tree Park, Maroochydore, on September 24, to learn about the amazing journey migratory shorebirds take to get back to their summer home and the threats to their survival.

Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor Peter Cox invited residents and visitors to learn how we can share our coast with the shorebirds.

“This festival is an opportunity for us to all learn more about these little miracles and how we can live with them in a wildlife friendly biosphere,” Cr Cox said.

Why migratory shorebirds are so special

“Migratory shorebirds are the world’s most threatened species of birds flying more than 10,000km from Siberia and Alaska all the way to our Sunshine Coast shoreline.

“These amazing birds spend most of their time feeding on the mudflats and sandbanks of the Pumicestone Passage and Maroochy River, as they need to more than double their body weight to store essential energy for their long journey back.

“So, bring your family and friends to enjoy delicious bites from the food trucks, play games and join us to celebrate the endurance and determination of these birds!”

The Shorebird Conservation Action Plan guides Council’s contribution to the world-wide conservation efforts to protect the species.

The Shorebirds Festival will be held in two locations over two days:

• Fraser Park, The Esplanade, Golden Beach September 23, 4-8pm

• Cotton Tree Park, Cotton Tree Parade, Maroochydore September 24, 4-8pm

If you can’t make the event, remember these tips to help share our coast with the shorebirds by:

•           observing from a distance using binoculars

•           choosing a location away from the birds for your activities

•           keeping dogs under control

•           taking your rubbish home.

Secure your free tickets to the shorebird festival at events.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au by searching “shorebirds”.