Published 28th March 2026

Each year, the beautiful wetlands and waterways of the Yalgorup System play host to the Annual Shorebird Count hosted by the Peel-Harvey Catchment Council. This is an important conservation event that helps monitor local and migratory bird populations across this unique environment. Bringing together volunteers, bird enthusiasts, and environmental experts, the count provides valuable insight into the health of these fragile ecosystems while shining a light on the incredible birdlife that calls the region home.

The Yalgorup System

The Yalgorup System is one of Western Australia’s most significant wetland landscapes, stretching across over 26,000 hectares, spanning the City of Mandurah and the Shires of Murray, Waroona and Harvey. Internationally recognised under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, a global agreement focused on halting the loss of wetlands and promoting their wise use and long-term conservation, the site is almost entirely located within conservation zones. It is considered internationally important for its rare and unique wetland systems, threatened species and ecological communities, exceptional biodiversity, and its role as vital habitat for migratory, breeding and moulting waterbirds, with more than 20,000 waterbirds recorded annually since 1995. The Yalgorup System also provides essential refuge, breeding habitat, nursery grounds and migration pathways for a wide range of wildlife, including fish, marine invertebrates and bottlenose dolphins. Protecting the ecological character of this remarkable wetland is a key responsibility of its Ramsar listing, helping to ensure its environmental values are understood, monitored and preserved for future generations.

Shorebird Count 2026

The 2026 Shorebird Count of the Yalgorup System set a new record for community engagement and conservation efforts. This year, 89 dedicated volunteers took part in the count, organised across 24 teams, including 28 first-time participants. Their collective efforts reflect the passion and commitment of the local community in protecting one of Western Australia’s most significant wetland systems.

Across the entire Yalgorup System, observers recorded a grand total of 54,079 waterbirds, including 18,778 shorebirdsand 35,301 other waterbirds, representing 63 species overall — 39 waterbird species and 24 shorebird species. These numbers highlight the exceptional biodiversity of the site and its critical role as a habitat for migratory, breeding, and moulting birds. Such comprehensive data provides vital insight for the ongoing monitoring and management of this internationally significant Ramsar listed wetland system.

The top 5 species counted through the Yalgorup System were:

• Red-necked Stint (5,850)
• Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (4,983)
• Banded Stilt (3,000)
• Pied Stilt (2,174)
• Red-capped Plover (2,033)

At our Mandurah Cruises site at Point Grey, volunteers recorded 658 waterbirds, with an overwhelming majority of 649 shorebirds and 9 other waterbirds, representing 22 species. This specific site demonstrates the concentrated importance of key areas within the broader system, offering essential feeding and resting habitats for shorebirds.

The top 5 species we counted at Point Grey were:

• Little Pied Cormorant (119)
• Black Swan (93)
• Pied Cormorant (72)
• Red-necked Stint (64)
• White-faced Heron (50)

The data

The 2026 Yalgorup System Shorebird Count highlights the incredible abundance and diversity of birdlife across the wetlands while showcasing the vital role of volunteer-driven citizen science. The data collected by volunteers is more than just numbers, it helps track trends over time, monitor ecological changes, identify threats, and guide conservation strategies to protect threatened species and their habitats.

This information also supports national and international programs, including the Ramsar Convention, reinforcing the global importance of the Yalgorup System. Beyond its scientific value, the count connects the community to the environment, raising awareness of the wetlands’ critical role for migratory, breeding, and moulting waterbirds.

A massive thank you to all volunteers! Your dedication and passion ensure these remarkable wetlands remain a thriving haven for waterbirds and a globally significant site for conservation.