Celebrating Shorebirds: Highlights from the First Big Day at WHSRN Sites

Species Abundance Rankings 

The top 10 most abundant shorebird species recorded in the lists were: 

1. Wilson’s Phalarope (Phalaropus tricolor): 18,714 individuals 
2. Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus): 5,038 individuals 
3. American Avocet (Recurvirostra americana): 4,458 individuals 
4. Semipalmated Sandpiper (Calidris pusilla): 3,610 individuals 
5. Least Sandpiper (Calidris minutilla): 1,883 individuals 
6. American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus): 1033 individuals
7. Short-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus griseus): 925 individual
8. Stilt Sandpiper (Calidris himantopus): 543 individuals 
9. Red Knot (Calidris canutus): 450 individuals 
10. Marbled Godwit (Limosa fedoa): 415 individuals 

A Collaborative Effort 

These results are based on 60 eBird checklists submitted by 43 partner organizations representing 253 participants. We sincerely thank each participant and partner for their dedication and support. WHSRN is built on a foundation of collaboration, working tirelessly to create a strong international network of key sites vital for shorebirds throughout their migratory journeys. Communication and voluntary partnerships remain essential in our mission to conserve shorebirds and their habitats across the Americas. 

“Shorebirds are some of the most extraordinary travelers on the planet, undertaking long migrations that span continents. Yet, their survival depends on the health of a network of coastal and inland wetlands. We must renew our commitment to protect these critical habitats and ensure the future of shorebirds for generations to come.” – Diego Luna Quevedo, Senior Specialist, Policy and Governance Flyways Program, Manomet Conservation Sciences. 

A connected Hemisphere

24 WHSRN sites from across the continent participated. We hope to triple this number by 2025.

1. Alfubera Mar Chiquita – Argentina 

2. Bahía de San Antonio  – Argentina 

3. Banco dos Cajuais – Brazil 

4. Beaverhill Lake – Canada

5. Humedal Marino de Coihuín – Chile 

6. Coquimbo Bay – Chile 

7. Salinas de Huentelauquén – Chile 

8. Mataquito-Huenchullamí – Chile 

9. Playa Isla de los Reyes Rocuant – Chile

10. Humedales Orientales de Chiloé – Chile

11. Sabanas de Paz de Ariporo y Trinidad – Colombia

12. Refugio de Vida Silvestre Isla Corazón y Fragata – Ecuador

13. Piscinas Artificiales de ECUASAL – Ecuador

14. Sistema Punta Condega-Jicarito – Honduras

15. Lago de Cuitzeo – Mexico

16. Complejo Lagunar San Quintín – Mexico

17.Lago Texcoco – Mexico

18. Ensenada de La Paz – Mexico

19. El Agallito and El Retén Beaches – Panama

20. Manglares de San Pedro de Vice – Peru

21. Reserva Nacional de Paracas – Peru

22. Santuario Nacional Los Manglares de Tumbes – Peru

23. Delaware Bay – United States

24. Salina Solar Los Olivitos – Venezuela

Other observation sites that participated:

· Humedal Uripe – Peru 

· Cooking Lake (Alberta) – Canada

· Port Aransas Nature Preserve – United States

· Salinas del Río Nigua – Puerto Rico 

Can’t find your site on the list? 

Identifying important sites is the first step to conserving habitat for shorebirds. First, check our Map of Important Shorebird Sites. If your site is missing, use the survey form to suggest a site for inclusion or to update an existing site. This interactive map was created to help stakeholders identify gaps in knowledge, facilitate information sharing, and determine if a site meets WHSRN criteria. Once it is established that a site meets the criteria, a WHSRN nomination can be pursued to safeguard the sites by engaging stakeholders and improving conservation action.

If you want to learn more about how to nominate your area for a WHSRN Site, click here. 

Share Your Experience  

We encourage participants to share their photos and videos from Shorebirds Big Day at WHSRN Sites! Please send your media to aferreira@manomet.org