News
On Saturday 27th January Friends of Mauritian Wildlife organised its first activity of 2024, a Shorebird watch at le Morne beach. Early morning, 19 Friends of Mauritian Wildlife members were seen silently walking on the beach near Le Morne village in search of the exceptional shorebirds which can be seen flying or feeding. Beforehand, they were greeted by Lensley Etiennette (Friends Coordinator), Giani Abajee (Flora Conservation Biologist) and Vanousha Pillay (Project Officer). The latter gave a short presentation on shorebirds, what to expect from the day’s activity and rules to follow in order not to disturb the birds.
A Common Greenshank wading in shallow waters
Shortly after, the group walked to the beach in single file. Equipped with binoculars, some with cameras, members of the club began scrutinising the shoreline trying to take a peek at a shorebird. It did not take long for Vanousha Pillay to spot a single bird, a Common Greenshank, peacefully walking in the shallow water. Its long legs and its style of walking, characteristic of most shorebirds, amazed the club members who observed the bird.
Vanousha Pillay showing Members of Friends of Mauritian Wildlife a shorebird in the distance
In order to see more birds, the group proceeded to a very good stand mangrove forest with a rich biodiversity. Shorebirds could be seen from the other side of the water. The Friends of Mauritian Wildlife members followed the lead of accompanying staff and did a short walk into the water and then the muddy soil where many crab holes could be observed. A few of the crabs could be seen running away from the group and hiding in their burrows.
A Greater Sand Plover walking near the mangrove stands
Due to the unkind weather that prevailed over a few days before the activity, chances of seeing many birds were reduced. However, members of the club were lucky enough to also catch a glimpse of several other shorebird species on the day -Greater Sand Plover, Whimbrel, Common Sandpiper, Ruddy Turnstone and Common Tern all showed up revealing their beautiful feathers and other features like their movements, call and size.
This natural site is a joy to watch
Almost each time the members dropped out of the forested mangrove stands, some shorebirds could be seen standing or in flight. Birds stalking their prey offered quite a spectacle, one bird was standing motionless waiting for its chance to pounce as small fish kept jumping out of the water just in front of it. Amazed faces kept looking at the bird which, after few minutes, flew away from the spot with its prey in its mouth.
The participants enjoyed the immerging in shallow waters during the activity
The shorebird activity kept its promises, enabling Friends of Mauritian Wildlife members to learn more about migratory birds and see their natural behaviour.
Club members learned many details about shorebirds through Vanousha Pillay's presentation before engaging in the activity
You can contact Lensley Etiennette: mwffriends@mauritian-wildlife.org if you want to be part of the next discovery hike. Friends of Mauritian Wildlife, a project sponsored by Emtel, regroups nature and environment lovers and has as objective to instil interest in all aspects of wildlife and habitat conservation. For more information visit: https://www.mauritian-wildlife.org/friendsofmwf
