My interest in shorebirds was sparked by the Overwintering print project initiated by Kate Gorringe-Smith. Kate’s goal is to increase awareness and understanding of migratory shorebirds in Australia. These birds fly13,000 kilometers twice a year between Australia and the Siberian Tundra. They breed in the north, then travel to Australia to feed and escape the harsh winter. Migratory shorebirds play a vital role in our ecosystems, but many species are under threat from habitat loss and climate change. Raising awareness about their plight is crucial for their survival and our well being.
I became fascinated by shorebirds in general. These are birds that inhabit the liminal zone between land and the sea. Many, like terns, and mutton birds, feed at sea but lay their eggs on the beach. Other like the Oyster Catchers feed on the beach as well mining the sand for tiny molusces and crustaceans.
Art of Threatened Species was an exhibition at the Dubbo Regional Gallery. Eleven artists were assigned species to focus on, mine were the Little Terns, the Beach Stone Curlew and the Pied Oyster Catcher.
