Birds from Russia are flying into the Hawkesbury as part of their annual global migration.
This Sunday, February 1, bird-watchers and other interested people can view some of these intrepid travellers at Pitt Town Lagoon.
Cumberland Bird Observers Club member Keith Brandwood is leading the tour, to mark World Wetlands Day which is February 2.
‘‘[The day] celebrates the signing of the Ramsar Convention in 1971,’’ he said.
‘‘The convention’s aims are to ensure the protection of internationally significant wetlands.
‘‘Australia as a signatory is responsible for the protection of 65 significant Ramsar sites.
‘‘The thousands of migrating shorebirds that arrive in Australia depend on these sites to provide food and energy for the long flight back to their breeding grounds in Siberia.’’
The Hawkesbury Environment Network is urging its members and supporters to join the tour.
‘‘The network is eager to promote more information about the significance of wetlands in the floodplains of the Hawkesbury,’’ a spokeswoman said.
‘‘Previous Hawkesbury World Wetland days have been of great interest and gave all a chance to hear from experts, share a meal and look at displays.’’
Mr Brandwood said the experts would show people how to identify different bird species and how to care for their habitat.
‘‘A total of 165 species of bird has been recorded at this lagoon,’’ he said.
He also said interested people should attend the lagoon bird hide at the end of Church Street, Pitt Town, between 8am and 12 noon, on February 1 or 2.
Details: 45751514 or 0447457554.
More information: cboc.org.au/outings.html or 0414672014.
