Park of the Month links South Australia to the world
South Australians are being encouraged to ‘migrate’ to visit the globally significant Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary National Park - Winaityinaityi Pangkara for National Parks and Wildlife Service’s (NPWS) November Park of the Month.
Encompassing more than 60km of shoreline overlooking Gulf St Vincent, the southern tip of Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary National Park - Winaityinaityi Pangkara is just 30km north of Adelaide on Kaurna Country.
The sanctuary is recognised internationally as an essential part of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF), a migratory route used by more than five million birds each year, stretching from Alaska and Siberia to Australia and New Zealand.
With all this avian air traffic, it’s little wonder the flyway is often called the ‘Highway in the Sky’!
The Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary National Park - Winaityinaityi Pangkara is located at the southern end of the flyway, providing critical habitat for migratory species that arrive in spring to feed and roost, then take flight again in autumn to complete the 25,000km journey back to their Arctic breeding grounds.
This includes red-necked stint, sharp-tailed sandpipers, and red knots. Home to 263 unique species of fauna and flora, habitat diversity is one the sanctuary’s key strengths, says Director Park Operations and Community Partnerships, Stuart Paul.
“Shorebirds are specialists’ feeders, they have evolved to feed on specific food sources using their own individual methods,” Stuart says.
“The diverse habitats, including mangroves, samphire communities, dunes and creek lines, provide the essential food and habitat needed for the 32 migratory species that visit the sanctuary including some that are critically endangered.
“The sanctuary benefits greatly from the dedicated volunteering efforts provided by the Friends of Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary (FAIBS) who support revegetation and shorebird identification among their many activities.
“Together, we look forward to sharing and celebrating this special place with the community as our Park of the Month for November.”
How to get involved this November:
- Thompson’s Shorebird Sunset & Supper with the Friends of Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary– Thompson Beach (south). Thursday 6 November
This will be a relaxing opportunity to view shorebirds on the incoming and outgoing tides whilst enjoying your own picnic supper. Spotting scopes and binoculars provided for a wonderful viewing experience.
- Port Gawler Planting and Beach Combing Day – Port Gawler. Saturday 8 November
Join Rangers in their ongoing restoration efforts. The day will focus on planting native samphire (particularly Teticornia) around the carpark, boosting plant cover, shelter for animals, and regeneration in the area.
- Guided Walk and Talk: Third Creek Trail – Thompson Beach. Thursday 20 November
The 3.6km walk will follow the Third Creek Trail, located about 70km north of Adelaide. View fascinating native flora such as Boobialla, Native Apricot, saltbush, and seasonal lagoons surrounded by salt marsh covered in samphire plus spot resident and migratory birds.
Visit Park of the Month for more information and booking details.
