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Sharing the Beach with Beach CurlewsThe Beach Thick-knee is found throughout its Australian range which extends more or less all round our continental coastline north of latitude 30. This handsome wader certainly needs friends, as the population appears to be in serious decline. This handsome bird stands some 54 cm tall, with several notable features such as its robust bill, white stripe above and below the eye and grey white and brown plumage. It is readily distinguishable from other shore birds and its cousin the "Bush Thick-knee". Beach Thick-knees prefer foreshore areas, particularly on the less disturbed remote beaches. Beaches are used for both breeding and feeding purposes. Although these birds were once seen regularly along our beaches they are now rarely seen and the population appears to be in a serious decline, subsequently the status of this species is regarded as vulnerable. It is at night that Beach Thick-Knees are said to be most active in their foraging for crabs and other crustaceans likely to be found among the litter that invariably accumulates along the line of high-water mark on beaches, on mud-flats, in rock pools and under mangroves. This is also the time when these birds give voice to their strange call of weer-loo, a call not unlike that of their bush cousin. By day, however, when not busy raising chicks, adult birds appear to be comparatively inactive and may be seen squatting or just standing about loafing, often on one leg! Sadly, like so many of our other feathered friends, Beach Thick-Knees suffer losses, not only from natural causes but from unnatural causes as well. Increased disturbance, particularly 4WD vehicles on beaches, and predation by the infamous, four introduced species namely, cats, dogs, foxes and feral pigs. The restricted habitat preference and its sedentary nature makes finding and protecting Beach Thick-knees a challenge. To achieve a comprehensive understanding of this bird in our region we all need to be aware of its needs and ensure our own behavior will not impact on their successful breeding. This is particulary important as in any one year the hen only lays a single egg on open ground with virtually no protection other than that afforded by the parents.
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