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Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos)

The Pectoral Sandpiper is a small migratory shorebird that visits Australia mainly during the austral summer. It uses shallow freshwater to saline wetlands, including wetland edges, mudflats, floodplains and artificial wetlands, so temporary water on or near a work site can attract individuals. It is listed as migratory under the EPBC Act and is a matter of national environmental significance.

Conservation status

Commonwealth, EPBC Act 1999: Listed migratory. Listed under the Bonn Convention, JAMBA and ROKAMBA. Listed migratory species are a matter of national environmental significance, so a significant impact needs referral.

Queensland, Nature Conservation Act 1992: Special least concern. A least concern bird covered by an international migratory bird agreement. Tampering with its breeding place needs a high risk species management program.

Western Australia, Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016: Specially protected (migratory).

Migration and breeding season

The Pectoral Sandpiper is a non-breeding migrant to Australia and does not breed here. It usually arrives from August to September, is present through the austral spring and summer, and departs from March to April, with timing varying between regions, wetlands and years.

Breeding mode: Egg laying bird. Breeds overseas in northern North America and Siberia.

Australian breeding: Does not breed in Australia.

Breeding period overseas: Not recorded for this species in the available species accounts. The general Arctic breeding period is late spring to summer in the Northern Hemisphere.

Nest site: Not recorded.

Clutch size: Not recorded.

Incubation: Not recorded.

Fledging and age at maturity: Not recorded.

Seasonal timing can shift with rainfall, wetland conditions and regional location, so plan surveys and works around actual water availability and observed shorebird use rather than calendar dates alone.

  • Breeding overseas, northern North America and Siberia: Breeding occurs overseas during the Northern Hemisphere summer, before southward migration to Australia.
  • Southward arrival in Australia: Arrival is mainly from August to September, often beginning in coastal areas before dispersal to suitable inland wetlands.
  • Non-breeding presence in Australia: Birds may occur from September to June, especially around shallow fresh to saline wetlands, open mudflats, wetland edges, floodplains and artificial wetlands; assess sites under EPBC Act Policy Statement 3.21, including whether they support at least 0.1 percent of a flyway population, 2,000 migratory shorebirds or 15 migratory shorebird species.
  • Northward departure from Australia: Most birds depart from March to April to return to overseas breeding grounds.
  • Highest clearing risk: The highest risk is during the main non-breeding period from October to March, when clearing, machinery, lighting, noise or dogs may disturb birds using wetland feeding areas and high tide roosts.

Identification: Appearance and size

The Pectoral Sandpiper is a compact, long-necked sandpiper with a plump body and short legs. It can be difficult to identify in the field, particularly among other brown and grey shorebirds, so photographs and careful notes are useful.

Adults have a flat back, rounded head, long neck and a body that tapers towards the rear. The bill can be short and straight or medium length with a slight downward curve.

The folded primary feathers may reach the tail tip or extend slightly beyond it. Juveniles can have longer folded primaries than breeding adults.

Length: 19 to 24 cm

Wingspan: 37 to 45 cm

Legs: Short

Identification: Calls and similar species

A distinctive call or an echolocation call is not a recognised feature for this bird. Identification should rely on overall shape, bill, plumage, behaviour, habitat and clear photographs.

Compare suspected birds with other medium-sized sandpipers present at the same wetland. Do not rely on colour alone, especially in poor light or when birds are distant.

  • Use a telescope or binoculars from a suitable vantage point.
  • Record body shape, bill length and curve, leg length, upperpart pattern and behaviour.
  • Seek an experienced shorebird observer or submit photographs for verification.

Identification: Field signs

The species does not build nests in Australia, and droppings, whitewash, stains and odour are not reliable ways to locate it. A bird itself, or a clear record of its use of a wetland, is usually needed for confirmation.

Look for individuals feeding at the shallow edge of water or standing among low wetland vegetation. Record the exact location and whether the bird was feeding, roosting or flying through.

  • Photograph the bird without approaching the wetland edge.
  • Note flock size, other shorebird species and any signs of disturbance.
  • Mark the observation on the site plan or project map.

Distribution: Australian range

In Australia, the Pectoral Sandpiper is widespread but scattered rather than evenly distributed. It is more often recorded in coastal and near-coastal areas, but suitable inland wetlands can also be used.

The species has been mapped in New South Wales, the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia.

In New South Wales, records are scattered east of the Great Dividing Range from Casino and Ballina south to Ulladulla. It is also widespread in the Riverina and Lower Western regions.

  • Look first at coastal lagoons, estuaries, swamps, lakes and floodplain wetlands.
  • Inland records may occur around river pools, creeks, inundated grasslands, artificial wetlands and other shallow water bodies.
  • Cairns and parts of coastal Queensland are among the areas with records, with scattered records farther inland.

Distribution: Overseas range

The Pectoral Sandpiper breeds in northern North America and Siberia. It migrates mainly to South America and, to a lesser extent, Australasia.

Australian status: Regular, uncommon, non-breeding migrant

Typical Australian setting: Coastal or near-coastal, with occasional inland records

Distribution: What this means on a work site

A site may be relevant even if it is not a known regular location. Temporary wetlands can become suitable after substantial rainfall, particularly where shallow water, soft mud and low vegetation develop.

A desktop record alone does not confirm use of the disturbance footprint. Check nearby wetlands and the wider connected wetland system before clearing or construction.

  • Inspect farm dams, ephemeral swamps, floodplain depressions and river pools.
  • Check both the proposed footprint and contiguous wetland habitat nearby.
  • Consider records from the wider catchment, not only the immediate property.

Habitat: Wetland features to look for

The Pectoral Sandpiper prefers shallow fresh to saline wetlands with open edges. On a project site, focus on wetland features that provide exposed mud, shallow water and low vegetation.

Suitable habitat may occur around coastal lagoons, estuaries, bays, swamps, lakes, saltmarshes, river pools, creeks, floodplains and artificial wetlands.

The species can occur in coastal or near-coastal habitat and occasionally farther inland. Freshwater sites may be particularly relevant.

  • Shallow water with gently sloping margins.
  • Open fringing mudflats or soft mud.
  • Low emergent or fringing grass and samphire.
  • Inundated grassland and sparsely vegetated wetland margins.
  • Lignum swamp where open feeding areas remain.

Habitat: Habitat condition

The best habitat is generally open rather than densely vegetated. Water levels may change quickly, so a site that is dry during one inspection may become suitable after rain.

Small dams and temporary depressions can provide occasional habitat, but their value depends on water depth, mud availability, vegetation and food resources.

Water conditions: Shallow fresh to saline water

Edge conditions: Soft mud with low or open fringing vegetation

Habitat: Site inspection

Walk or scan the wetland from outside the habitat where possible. Avoid entering soft mud or approaching birds closely, especially when a wetland is also used by other shorebirds.

Map water, exposed mud, vegetation, roost areas and access routes. Record whether habitat is permanent, seasonal or dependent on recent rainfall.

  • Inspect after rainfall as well as during normal site conditions.
  • Check nearby wetlands connected by drainage lines or floodplains.
  • Record weeds, erosion, altered hydrology and livestock access.

Foraging habitat: Foraging places

The species feeds in shallow water and soft mud along wetland margins. Foraging areas can be small and temporary, so they should be mapped separately from deeper water and dry upland areas.

Look along shallow wetland margins, open mudflats, inundated grassland and the edges of pools, creeks and floodplain depressions. Coastal and near-coastal wetlands may be used, as may suitable inland freshwater sites.

The recorded diet includes algae, seeds, crustaceans, arachnids and insects.

Foraging behaviour: Feeds in shallow water or on soft mud at wetland edges

Food: Algae, seeds, crustaceans, arachnids and insects

  • Mud at the waterline.
  • Shallow pools and wet depressions.
  • Open areas between low grass or samphire.
  • Soft substrate where birds can probe or pick food.

Foraging habitat: Signs of active use

Birds may feed alone or with other shorebirds. Feeding birds can be easy to disturb, particularly where the wetland is narrow and there are few alternative edges.

Record the number of birds, their activity and the area used. Note whether they remain in the same section of wetland when people, vehicles or machinery are present.

  • Map the feeding area with a GPS or site plan.
  • Record tide or water level where relevant.
  • Photograph the habitat and bird locations from a distance.

Foraging habitat: Construction controls

Keep machinery, vehicles, personnel and stock away from active feeding margins where practicable. Prevent sediment, contaminated water, concrete washout, fuels and other pollutants from entering shallow wetlands.

Avoid changing drainage, water levels or water quality without assessing the effect on connected wetland habitat.

  • Use clearly marked exclusion areas around wetland margins.
  • Maintain clean water controls and inspect them after rain.
  • Plan access routes to avoid wetland edges and soft mud.

Breeding habitat: Breeding range

The Pectoral Sandpiper does not breed in Australia. Breeding occurs in northern North America and Siberia, so Australian clearing works are not expected to remove its breeding places.

The species breeds in northern North America and Siberia. Australian birds are non-breeding visitors.

No breeding colony or nest protection response is normally required for this species in Australia, but other shorebirds or wetland birds may breed at the same site.

Australian breeding: Does not breed in Australia

Overseas breeding: Northern North America and Siberia

Breeding habitat: Breeding place checks

Do not assume that a wetland is free of breeding wildlife simply because Pectoral Sandpipers do not breed here. Before clearing, check for nests, dependent young and breeding habitat used by other birds.

A fauna spotter catcher should follow the project fauna management plan and relevant permit conditions for any breeding animals found.

  • Search vegetation, ground cover and wetland margins for active nests.
  • Stop work and establish the required protection area if another breeding species is found.
  • Record the species, location, behaviour and management response.

Sheltering habitat: Likely roosting features

Specific Pectoral Sandpiper roost structures and roost sizes are not well defined. In practice, look for open, quiet areas near water where shorebirds can stand with good visibility and a clear escape route.

Potential roosting areas may occur on exposed wetland margins, shallow islands, firm mud, low saltmarsh or sparsely vegetated ground near water. The species may share roost areas with other migratory shorebirds.

A possible roost can be used even when birds are not present during every inspection. Map suitable areas and record evidence of regular shorebird use.

  • Firm ground above the wettest mud.
  • Open margins with low vegetation.
  • Small islands or isolated patches that reduce access by people and dogs.
  • Areas with clear views and low disturbance.

Sheltering habitat: Roost disturbance

People, dogs, vehicles, machinery, loud noise, vibration and artificial light can cause birds to leave a roost. Repeated disturbance can reduce the value of a site even without direct habitat loss.

Keep work areas, access tracks and laydown areas away from mapped roosts where practicable. Use barriers and site controls to prevent informal access.

  • Keep dogs out of wetland and roost areas.
  • Direct lights away from water and shorebird habitat.
  • Avoid noisy work during high tide roosting periods where practicable.
  • Record flushing, alarm behaviour and flight direction.

Sheltering habitat: Roost surveys

Survey roosts as close to high tide as possible, within two hours either side of high tide. Use a stationary count from a vantage point when this allows the whole site to be viewed without approaching birds.

Record species, abundance, location, behaviour, weather, tide height, observers and disturbance. Check for potential nocturnal roosts where project activities may continue after dark.

Migration and seasonal presence: Seasonal presence

The Pectoral Sandpiper is a rare to uncommon non-breeding austral summer migrant in Australia. Birds generally arrive from about August or September and depart around March or April, with some variation between regions and years.

Australian records are generally from September to June, with the main presence during the warmer months. Birds arrive mainly in coastal areas and may disperse inland to suitable wetlands.

The species migrates from northern North America and Siberia. Australia is a minor part of its non-breeding range compared with South America.

Likely arrival: August to September

Likely departure: March to April

Main Australian period: Austral summer, broadly October to March

  • Plan the main shorebird assessment period for roughly October to March.
  • Treat temporary wetland use after rainfall as possible during the broader September to June period.
  • Avoid assuming that a dry inspection represents all seasonal conditions.

Migration and seasonal presence: Passage and movement

Individuals may move between coastal wetlands, inland floodplain wetlands and other suitable water bodies. Passage birds and immature birds may be present outside the main period used by most adults.

Migration begins in the northern summer, from late June, before birds reach Australian non-breeding areas.

  • Check connected wetlands and alternative habitat across the local landscape.
  • Record flight paths over the project area, especially where turbines, powerlines or tall structures are proposed.
  • Consider both birds on the ground and birds moving through the site airspace.

Migration and seasonal presence: Important habitat in Australia

For EPBC assessment, important habitat includes sites that support at least 0.1 percent of the flyway population of one species, at least 2,000 migratory shorebirds, or at least 15 migratory shorebird species. A site may also need consideration where it is part of a connected wetland system supporting regular use.

Assess the whole area of contiguous habitat used by the same shorebird population. A small project footprint should not be considered in isolation from nearby roosts, feeding areas and movement routes.

  • Map high tide roosts and low tide feeding areas.
  • Count all migratory shorebird species, not only Pectoral Sandpipers.
  • Seek advice where counts approach an important habitat threshold or where habitat is regionally scarce.

Migration and seasonal presence: Survey timing for projects

Surveys should include the main non-breeding period, roughly October to March. Guidance used for migratory shorebirds also calls for four roosting surveys and four foraging surveys during the main presence period, plus one survey during the northern hemisphere breeding season, mid-April to mid-August, to check for non-breeding immature birds.

Complete roost counts within two hours either side of high tide and foraging counts within two hours either side of low tide. Avoid high rainfall, high winds and periods when survey activity itself would disturb birds.

  • Use suitable vantage points and a telescope where needed.
  • Record abundance, species richness, locations, tide, weather, observers and disturbance.
  • Refer to EPBC Act Policy Statement 3.21 and the 2017 industry guidelines for migratory shorebirds.

Threats: Habitat loss and hydrology

The main risks on clearing and construction sites are loss or degradation of wetland habitat and disturbance of feeding or roosting birds. Risks can often be reduced through site design, timing, exclusion controls and good water and pest management.

Clearing wetland margins, filling depressions, removing low vegetation or isolating connected wetlands can reduce feeding and roosting habitat. Drainage changes, altered flood patterns, sediment and poor water quality can also make a site unsuitable.

Select access routes, compounds and laydown areas away from wetlands and wetland margins. Keep natural drainage and avoid direct impacts on permanent wetlands where practicable.

  • Fence and mark wetland exclusion areas before works begin.
  • Control sediment, erosion, acid sulphate soils and contaminated runoff.
  • Prevent spills, concrete washout and polluted water from entering wetlands.

Threats: Disturbance

People, dogs, vehicles, machinery, vessels, loud noise, vibration and recreational activity can flush birds from roosts or interrupt feeding. Artificial lighting can reduce the suitability of night roosts and attract predators or pests.

Use roost buffers, barriers and sympathetic lighting. Keep work within the approved footprint and educate the workforce about shorebird habitat.

  • Keep dogs and unauthorised people out of wetland areas.
  • Aim lights away from roosts and feeding areas and use steady rather than flickering lights.
  • Coordinate noisy work and avoid high tide roosting periods where practicable.
  • Record and respond to repeated flushing or alarm behaviour.

Threats: Timing of works

Where practicable, schedule the most disruptive construction activities for May to August, when most migratory shorebirds are on their Arctic breeding grounds. Confirm the seasonal suitability of this approach for the local site and other fauna before relying on it.

Maintain controls during the main Australian presence period because some birds may remain, pass through or use temporary habitat after rainfall.

  • Complete baseline surveys before finalising the work schedule.
  • Avoid peak roosting and feeding periods where work cannot be moved outside the main season.
  • Use a stop work and escalation procedure for unexpected concentrations of shorebirds.

Threats: Predators, weeds and collision risk

Construction can spread weeds, increase feral predator access and create food waste that attracts pest animals. Vehicles can injure birds using wetland margins, while wind turbines, powerlines and other structures can create collision risks along movement routes.

Use a pest and weed management plan, keep food and waste secured, and manage vehicle speeds and routes near wetlands. Assess airspace use where tall structures are proposed.

  • Inspect vehicles and machinery before entering the site.
  • Control weeds and prevent spread along access tracks.
  • Keep waste, food scraps and carcasses secured.
  • Assess bird flight paths and collision risk during project design.

Survey methodology: 1. Desktop assessment

The Pectoral Sandpiper is a rare, uncommon non-breeding migrant in Australia. It is most likely to be detected at shallow freshwater to saline wetlands, wetland edges, open mudflats, floodplains and temporary waterbodies, usually from late winter or early spring to early autumn.

Map all wetlands, farm dams, floodplains, inundated grasslands, shallow creek pools, estuaries, saltmarshes and coastal lagoons within and near the work area.

Check whether the site connects to larger wetlands or other areas of contiguous shorebird habitat. Record nearby roosts, feeding areas, water levels and likely flight paths.

Treat temporary habitat as potentially relevant after substantial rainfall. Do not dismiss a site solely because it is dry during the first inspection.

  • Review recent records, Protected Matters Search Tool results, state databases and local wetland information.
  • Identify whether the site could form part of an important habitat area supporting at least 0.1 percent of the flyway population of the species, at least 2,000 migratory shorebirds, or at least 15 migratory shorebird species.
  • Refer to EPBC Act Policy Statement 3.21 and the 2017 industry guidelines for migratory shorebirds when assessing habitat and impacts.

Survey methodology: 2. Field survey timing and effort

Survey during the main non-breeding period, broadly October to March, when most migratory shorebirds are present. The species may be present in Australia from about September to June, with arrival mainly in August to September and departure mainly in March to April.

Complete at least four high-tide roost surveys and four low-tide foraging surveys during the main period where the site may support migratory shorebirds. Use at least two surveys in summer and repeat surveys around suitable tide conditions.

Complete at least one additional survey during the northern hemisphere breeding season, approximately mid-April to mid-August. This can detect immature birds that remain in Australia outside the main migration period.

  • Conduct roost surveys within two hours either side of high tide.
  • Conduct foraging surveys within two hours either side of low tide.
  • Avoid high rainfall, high winds and periods when construction or other activities are disturbing birds.
  • Add surveys after substantial rainfall where temporary wetlands have formed.

Survey methodology: 3. Detection methods

Search shallow water and soft mud at wetland edges, open fringing mudflats, low emergent vegetation, grass or samphire margins, inundated grassland and shallow creek or floodplain pools.

Use a telescope and binoculars from suitable vantage points. Keep observers outside the likely roost or feeding area and avoid flushing birds.

At high tide, use stationary counts where the whole roost can be viewed. At low tide, walk slowly along the water edge where access is safe and permitted.

  • Scan systematically from fixed vantage points before moving closer.
  • Check less obvious freshwater habitat, because the species is more associated with freshwater than with open beaches or rocky shores.
  • Allow time for birds to settle before counting after observer movement or other disturbance.
  • Use photographs or mapped observation points where identification or flock counts are difficult.

Survey methodology: 4. Records and reporting

Record every shorebird species, not only the Pectoral Sandpiper. A species may be overlooked if observers focus only on large flocks or coastal mudflats.

Document the location and extent of feeding areas, roosts, flight paths and possible nocturnal roosts. Record whether birds were feeding, roosting, flying, disturbed or flushed.

  • Record date, start and finish time, tide height and tide state.
  • Record weather, rainfall, wind, visibility, observers, observer experience and survey method.
  • Record species abundance, total shorebird abundance and species richness.
  • Map the survey route, observation points, habitat condition and disturbance sources.
  • Record people, dogs, vehicles, machinery, vessels, aircraft, lighting, noise and other activities affecting birds.

Before habitat disturbance: 1. Approvals and permits

Plan works to avoid wetland habitat and periods when migratory shorebirds are present. Confirm legal requirements before clearing, access, construction, lighting or water management begins.

Assess whether the action is likely to have a significant impact on an EPBC listed migratory species. Refer the action under the EPBC Act if a significant impact cannot be ruled out.

In Queensland, obtain a high risk species management program where the action may tamper with the breeding place of a special least concern animal covered by JAMBA, CAMBA, ROKAMBA or the Bonn Convention.

Check state and territory wildlife legislation, threatened species requirements, clearing controls and any local wetland or protected area approvals before work starts.

  • Keep copies of approvals, permits, referral decisions, management plans and fauna licences on site.
  • Use only appropriately authorised fauna spotter catchers for searches, handling and relocation.
  • Escalate any uncertainty to the project ecologist or environmental manager before disturbance.

Before habitat disturbance: 2. Avoidance and timing

Prefer a project layout that avoids wetlands, wetland edges, open mudflats, shallow pools, floodplains and known roosts or feeding areas.

Where practicable, schedule the most disruptive work for May to August, when most migratory shorebirds are on their northern breeding grounds. Confirm local bird use first, because some individuals may remain in Australia during this period.

Do not assume that dry conditions remove the risk. Temporary habitat can form after rainfall and may attract birds.

  • Keep construction, vehicle movements, stockpiles, lighting and personnel within the approved disturbance footprint.
  • Avoid works during high-tide roosting periods and, where practicable, during low-tide feeding periods.
  • Retain natural water levels and drainage patterns where possible.
  • Prevent sediment, pollutants, concrete washout, hydrocarbons and other contaminants entering wetlands.

Before habitat disturbance: 3. Buffers and exclusion areas

Set site-specific no-go areas around roosts, feeding areas and wetland edges in consultation with the project ecologist. Use the distance needed to prevent flushing, repeated avoidance or loss of access to habitat.

Mark exclusion areas on plans and on the ground. Inspect them before each shift and after flooding, heavy rain or changes to the work area.

  • Use fencing, bunting, signs or temporary barriers that are visible to workers and visitors but do not trap birds.
  • Keep dogs, recreational users, non-essential vehicles and machinery away from roosts and feeding areas.
  • Aim lights away from wetlands and use static, non-flickering lights where lighting is required.
  • Control noise, vibration and dust, especially near high-tide roosts.

Before habitat disturbance: 4. Pre-clearance survey and induction

Complete a pre-clearance inspection shortly before disturbance, including all wetland habitat, shallow pools, mud margins, nearby roosts and likely flight paths.

Have a fauna spotter catcher brief the crew on the species, habitat, exclusion areas, stop work authority and reporting process.

  • Search from a distance first, then inspect suitable habitat using binoculars or a telescope.
  • Check for birds, nests, eggs, dependent young, injured animals, carcasses and signs of regular roosting or feeding.
  • Mark active roosts and feeding areas and update the site map.
  • Tell all workers that only authorised personnel may approach, handle or relocate fauna.
  • Include dogs, lighting, noise, vehicles, machinery, spills and unexpected waterbody formation in the induction.

During habitat disturbance: 1. Sequential clearing and daily controls

Use a staged, low disturbance approach. The fauna spotter catcher must be able to stop work immediately when a bird, roost, active breeding place or unexpected wetland impact is identified.

Clear vegetation and move machinery in small, defined sections. Start each section only after the spotter catcher has inspected it and confirmed that controls are in place.

Keep machinery, personnel and vehicles out of marked wetland exclusion areas. Maintain access for birds to retained feeding and roosting habitat.

  • Work from the least sensitive edge towards the cleared area where this reduces the chance of trapping fauna.
  • Inspect open trenches, pits, pipes, culverts and machinery before use and at the end of each shift.
  • Cover or barricade pits and pipes when unattended.
  • Stop work during sudden bird congregation, repeated flushing, unusual behaviour or changes in water conditions.

During habitat disturbance: 2. Stop work and find procedures

Stop work if a Pectoral Sandpiper or other migratory shorebird enters the work area, if birds are repeatedly flushed, or if a roost or feeding area is discovered.

The spotter catcher must notify the site supervisor and project ecologist, establish a temporary exclusion area and decide whether work can safely continue.

  • Do not chase, herd, capture or move a healthy bird unless directed by an authorised wildlife professional.
  • If an active breeding place is found, stop disturbance near it and obtain ecological and regulatory advice before proceeding. The Pectoral Sandpiper does not breed in Australia, but other species may breed in the same habitat.
  • If a colony, roost or important feeding area is found, map it, prevent further disturbance and reassess the work method, timing and approvals.
  • Do not restart work until the spotter catcher or project ecologist gives clearance and the control measures are recorded.

During habitat disturbance: 3. Handling and injured animals

Only authorised and trained personnel may handle fauna. The Pectoral Sandpiper is a small migratory shorebird and should not be handled unless capture is necessary for welfare, legal compliance or approved relocation.

Minimise noise, light, handling time and visual stress. Do not provide food or water unless directed by a wildlife carer or veterinarian.

  • Contact the project ecologist, wildlife carer or veterinarian for an injured, exhausted or contaminated bird.
  • Place an injured bird in a secure, ventilated container suitable for a small wader, in a quiet and dark location, only if an authorised person directs this action.
  • Do not release a bird without advice on its condition, weather, habitat and legal requirements.
  • Record the animal’s location, condition, action taken, handler, destination and outcome.

During habitat disturbance: 4. Daily records and incident response

Keep a fauna register for the full disturbance period. Record normal observations as well as incidents, even where no animal is handled.

Treat vehicle strikes, bird flushing, lighting incidents, spills, wetland damage and unauthorised entry into exclusion areas as environmental incidents.

  • Record date, time, location, species, number of birds, behaviour and habitat.
  • Record the activity, equipment, weather, tide, disturbance source and people involved.
  • Photograph and map affected areas where this can be done without disturbing birds.
  • Notify the environmental manager and regulator where required by approval conditions or law.
  • Review controls before work resumes and brief the crew on any change.

After habitat disturbance: 1. Post-clearance checks

Post-clearance checks confirm that fauna has not been trapped and that retained habitat remains usable. Keep monitoring long enough to detect delayed disturbance, injury, contamination or loss of wetland function.

Inspect the completed work area, access routes, trenches, drainage lines, pits, stockpiles and wetland boundaries after each clearing stage.

Check that all fauna exclusion fencing, covers, signs and sediment controls remain effective.

  • Search for trapped, injured or dead birds and other fauna.
  • Check retained wetland edges for sediment, changed water flow, rubbish, oil, concrete or other pollutants.
  • Confirm that construction lighting is directed away from wetlands and that unnecessary lights are switched off.
  • Remove temporary hazards as soon as they are no longer needed.

After habitat disturbance: 2. Follow-up monitoring

Monitor retained roosts, feeding areas and temporary wetlands during the next suitable shorebird period where the project may have changed habitat or disturbance levels.

Use the same observation points and recording approach where possible so results can be compared with pre-work surveys.

  • Repeat high-tide roost checks and low-tide foraging checks when birds are expected to be present.
  • Record changes in bird numbers, species richness, habitat condition, water level and disturbance.
  • Monitor after rainfall if the project area contains temporary or ephemeral waterbodies.
  • Increase monitoring if birds avoid a previously used area, are repeatedly flushed or appear injured.

After habitat disturbance: 3. Relocated or recovered animals

Confirm the outcome of every captured, injured or relocated animal with the responsible wildlife carer, veterinarian or regulator.

Where relocation is authorised, record the release site and confirm that it provides suitable shallow wetland habitat and low disturbance.

  • Do not release a migratory shorebird into a dry, polluted or actively disturbed area.
  • Record identification, condition, treatment, release or transfer details and any band or marker information.
  • Include wildlife care records in the project environmental file.
  • Report deaths, repeated injuries and unsuccessful relocations through the required approval pathway.

After habitat disturbance: 4. Close-out and incident review

Complete an environmental close-out review before removing controls or handing the site to operations.

Use the results to improve later work stages, maintenance activities and future projects.

  • Confirm that approval conditions, permit conditions and management plan commitments were met.
  • Review every fauna incident, near miss, exceedance and unexpected wetland impact.
  • Update maps of roosts, feeding areas, flight paths and sensitive habitat.
  • Record corrective actions, responsible persons and completion dates.
  • Retain survey data, photographs, maps, induction records and fauna registers.

Rehabilitation actions: 1. Restore wetland habitat

Rehabilitation should restore wetland function rather than simply replace vegetation. For this species, shallow water, soft mud, open wetland margins and low disturbance are more useful than artificial breeding structures.

Reinstate natural drainage, shallow water and wetland margins where construction has altered them. Retain a mixture of shallow fresh to saline water, exposed soft mud and low fringing vegetation where consistent with the local wetland type.

Avoid creating steep, deep or permanently waterlogged edges that do not provide accessible feeding habitat.

  • Remove compacted soil, excess fill, rubbish and construction materials from wetland margins.
  • Stabilise disturbed soil without blocking natural overland flow.
  • Use local native wetland plants suited to the site’s water regime.
  • Retain open areas between vegetation patches so birds can see approaching predators and people.
  • Prevent contaminated runoff and sediment entering restored habitat.

Rehabilitation actions: 2. Manage weeds and predators

Control invasive plants that smother mud margins or reduce shallow-water access. Use methods that do not disturb birds or contaminate water.

Reduce attractants for feral predators and pest animals around wetlands and roosts.

  • Inspect rehabilitation areas for weeds during establishment and after rainfall.
  • Remove food waste, construction waste and spilled materials promptly.
  • Keep domestic dogs and uncontrolled vehicles away from restored wetland habitat.
  • Use an approved pest management program where predators or pest animals threaten shorebirds.
  • Avoid broad chemical use near water unless authorised and managed to prevent runoff.

Rehabilitation actions: 3. Manage water and lighting

Maintain the natural timing, depth and quality of water wherever possible. Temporary habitat can be valuable after rainfall, so avoid unnecessary draining or filling of shallow pools.

Keep operational lighting away from wetland edges, roosts and feeding areas.

  • Monitor water levels, flow paths, turbidity, salinity where relevant and signs of pollution.
  • Repair drainage structures that cause erosion, ponding in work areas or rapid loss of suitable shallow water.
  • Use the lowest practical light level, shield lights and aim them away from wetlands.
  • Use static, non-flickering lights where lighting cannot be avoided.
  • Investigate changes in bird use after major water management or lighting changes.

Rehabilitation actions: 4. Artificial structures and long-term monitoring

The Pectoral Sandpiper does not breed in Australia, so nest boxes, bat boxes and artificial nest sites are not suitable replacement measures for this species. Artificial roost structures should only be considered where a qualified shorebird ecologist identifies a clear need and confirms that the design, location and maintenance will work for the local shorebird community.

Focus rehabilitation on functional wetland habitat and safe roosting and feeding areas rather than installing structures by default.

  • Do not install nest boxes or bat boxes as mitigation for Pectoral Sandpander habitat loss.
  • Consider a managed roost platform or other artificial roost only after avoidance and habitat restoration options have been exhausted.
  • Design any roost structure with specialist advice, local observations, flood levels, predator access, lighting and human disturbance in mind.
  • Monitor restored areas during the main shorebird period and after substantial rainfall.
  • Continue monitoring until vegetation, water conditions and bird use meet the project’s rehabilitation objectives.

Sources