PATTERNS OF SHOREBIRD ABUNDANCE IN EASTERN MORETON-BAY, QUEENSLAND

An indirect census method was developed to enable the first large-scal e censuses of shorebirds in eastern Moreton Bay, Queensland. The metho d used the number of bar-tailed godwits counted on high-tide roosts, a nd the proportion of species on associated intertidal feeding areas, t o estimate the abundance of all species. Shorebirds tended to be more abundant at the time of the northward migration, while fluctuations in numbers suggested that shorebirds staged in eastern Moreton Bay durin g both the southward and northward migrations. Census results highligh ted the large number of grey-tailed tattlers, eastern curlews and bar- tailed godwits using eastern Moreton Bay, and provided further evidenc e that Moreton Bay is a site of international significance for shorebi rds.