FAIBS is a community group dedicated to protecting the birds and coastal habitats of the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary National Park, Winaityinaityi Pangkara, on South Australia’s Samphire Coast.
Each year, thousands of migratory shorebirds travel extraordinary distances from the Northern Hemisphere to spend the summer feeding and resting on our shores. The Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary provides critical habitat where they can rebuild their strength before returning north to breed.
We are local volunteers who care deeply about this globally significant refuge. Through education, advocacy, monitoring and hands-on conservation, we work to safeguard shorebirds and the rich biodiversity of this unique coastal environment.
Whether you are a birdwatcher, nature lover, local resident or visitor, we invite you to join us in protecting this remarkable sanctuary for future generations.
Welcome to Friends of Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary (FAIBS)
There is a lot on this page! Jump to where you want to be…
Avian flu H5N1 information what you need to know
Birds of the sanctuary gallery of amazing photos by Paul Taylor
Volunteer with FAIBS how to get involved in the sanctuary
Acknowledgement of country Winaityinaityi Pangkara, the country of the birds
Winaityinaityi Pangkara - the country of the birds a superb short film from Bowerbird Collective for world migratory bird day
The Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary National Park discover the AIBS
FAIBS 10 year anniversary celebrating 10 years of support for the sanctuary
Lockharts Print Club check out local artist Lockhart Arasu’s beautiful design of the Far Eastern Curlew
Upcoming events get involved in what is happening in the sanctuary
Become a frequent flyer sign up for our monthly news and events and stay in touch
H5 bird flu (H5N1 Avian Influenza) detected in South Australia
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H5 bird flu (H5N1 Avian Influenza) detected in South Australia -
H5 bird flu (H5N1, a strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza) is an infectious disease that can affect wild and farmed birds and other animals. The virus has now been detected in Australia, with confirmed local transference in South Australian seabirds. H5 bird flu is a nationally notifiable disease meaning if you suspect an animal is showing signs of the disease, you must report it immediately.
Emergency Animal Disease Hotline- save it in your phone
1800 675 888
What you should do if you suspect a wild bird may be infected with H5 bird flu?
AVOID
-Avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife and their environment. Observe from a distance, and do not allow dogs to touch or eat sick or dead wildlife.
RECORD
-date and time of the sighting
-the location (address and/or GPS coordinates if possible) where animal was found
-take photos or video if this is possible without approaching the bird
-the estimated number of sick or dead animals and other animals at the site, note any clinical signs that sick animals are showing
REPORT
-Report any unusual illness or death in wild birds and other wildlife immediately via the
Emergency Animal Disease Hotline
1800 675 888.
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Numerous dead birds in a location, including small groups or clusters (five or more) of wild birds of any species could be a sign that H5 bird flu has infected local populations and should be reported.
Individual dead birds, or fewer than five sick or dead wild birds, should be reported if they are seabirds, waterbirds, shorebirds or birds of prey.
In individual birds, warning signs that should be reported include:
-lack of coordination, tremors, swimming in circles, twisted neck or other abnormal posture, inability to stand or fly, diarrhoea, difficulty breathing, coughing or sneezing
In addition to the hotline, Birdata users are now able to record sick, injured or dead birds within the general Birdata module in the Bird Impact Tracker Feature. Note- this is an anylitical tool to track the impact of H5 bird flu and is not a reporting tool, reporting must be to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline.
For more information go to the Birdlife Australia website the PIRSA website and birdflu.sa.gov.au
Watch this webinar hosted by Kate Millar -CEO Birdlife Australia, on the Biodiversity Council website
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Open google maps app
Find your location (blue dot), zoom in and drop a red pin near the dot (long press)
In the pop up window at the bottom of the screen, go to Near…or Nearby address and tap the arrow for the drop down info. You will see your GPS location. (A long press will copy the numbers so you can paste in Notes or whichever notes app you use)
What can we do?
Monitor beaches, wetlands and salt marsh. Go for a daily walk, try going to out of the usual places and look for any signs of sick or dead birds and other animals. Note the clinical signs below and save the hotline number in your phone. Get out there and help protect our shorebirds.
Birds of the sanctuary
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![Double-banded Plover, Greater Sand Plover and Red-capped Plover at Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary]()
Double-banded Plover, Greater Sand Plover and Red-capped Plover
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![Bar-tailed Godwits at adelaide international bird sanctuary]()
Bar-tailed Godwits
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![Pacific golden plover at adealdie international bird sanctuary]()
Pacific Golden Plover
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![ruddy turnstone with leg flag XYW]()
Ruddy Turnstone
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![Black-tailed godwit showing tail]()
Black-tailed Godwit
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![Greater sand plover at adelaide international bird sanctuary]()
Greater Sand Plover
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![An adult and a juvenile crested tern]()
Crested Terns
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![Sharp-tailed sandpiper at the Adelaide international bird sanctuary]()
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper
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![A siae comparison of a red necked stint and a far eastern curlew]()
Red-necked Stint and Far Eastern Curlew
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![Curlew Sandpiper showing breeding plumage]()
Curlew Sandpiper
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![Great Knots on the Adelaide coastline]()
Great Knots
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![Black-faced Cormorant in the Adelaide International bird sanctuary]()
Black-faced Cormorant
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![Red Knot in breeding plumage]()
Red Knot
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![Fairy Tern with leg bands on the Adelaide shoreline]()
Fairy Tern
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![Bar-tailed Godwits in breeding plumage]()
Bar-tailed Godwit
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![Red-capped Plover with chick on the Northern Adelaide coastline]()
Red-capped plover with chick
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![White-bellied Sea Eagle]()
White-bellied Sea Eagle
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![Sooty Oystercatcher roosting with Silver Gulls and Terns]()
Sooty Oystercatcher
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![Common Greenshank]()
Common Greenshank
Volunteer with FAIBS
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FAIBS hold community events usually on the 3rd Sunday of every month. Events held over winter include planting, direct seeding, de-guarding, weed control, clean-ups and more. When the birds are in residence, (October to April) we host information and identification sessions, providing scopes and binoculars. You dont need to be a member to come along, everyone is welcome.
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Additional to the FAIBS events are Ranger hosted working bees held, generally, every 2nd Monday morning. This is a small, dedicated group, active in weed control, planting, seeding, clean ups, anything to assist the work of the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary National Park Rangers, (who also provide morning tea).
Winaityinaityi Pangkara
The country of the birds
We acknowledge the Kaurna people as the Traditional Owners and custodians of this land and water, and pay respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging, and their continuing cultural and spiritual connection to this country. Kudla yurlu kurrarinthi, to approach, stay, and leave peacefully, guides our interactions with this sacred place.
Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary National Park -Winaityinaityi Pangkara
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The Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary stretches across more than 60 kilometres of coastline north of Adelaide along Gulf St Vincent. Within the sanctuary lies the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary National Park – Winaityinaityi Pangkara, the country of the birds.
Located at the southern end of the East Asian–Australasian Flyway, the sanctuary is one of Australia’s most important habitats for migratory shorebirds. Each year these amazing birds travel from breeding grounds as far away as Siberia and Alaska, flying nearly 13,000 kilometres, to rest and feed on these tidal flats, wetlands and coastal habitats.
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Where to visit, what to do, when to go, discover the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary here.
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These links take you to the National Parks and Wildlife Service SA- AIBS maps
FAIBS
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10 YEARS
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FAIBS - 10 YEARS -
As Friends of Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary celebrates10 years of environmental stewardship in 2026, we invite volunteers to be part of an exciting program of events throughout the year. From inspiring guest speakers to community planting days and hands-on conservation activities, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved, learn new skills, and connect with like-minded people. Help us make our 10th anniversary year a memorable celebration of community, conservation, and positive action for the environment.
See our upcoming events below or go to calendar
New T-shirts to mark our 10 year milestone
This beautiful artwork, created by Kaurna Elder Jeffery Newchurch, originated during the 10th Meeting of Partners of the East Asian–Australasian Flyway Partnership in Singapore in 2017. The collaborative design reflects the strong connections shared across countries along the flyway.
Through his artwork and storytelling, Uncle Jeffery shared a message of connectedness — speaking of the spirit of the birds and how people across nations are linked through the journeys of migratory shorebirds. The design celebrates these shared connections and our collective responsibility to care for the flyway and its habitats.
There are 3 T-shirt styles available in many colours, order yours here. Any profit made goes straight back into improving habitat for our migratory shorebirds and resident fauna in the sanctuary.
Lockhart’s Print Club
The September issue of Lockhart’s Print Club features this beautiful design of the Far Eastern Curlew, a critically endangered migratory shorebird.
10% of proceeds from this issue will be donated to FAIBS to help strengthen our work in protecting habitat for this incredible bird.
To order your print click here before September 1st. Or join Lockhart’s Print Club and receive a new print, sticker and polaroid each month. For each endangered animal a donation is made to a different grassroots landcare charity.
To learn more about local artist and wildlife enthusiast Lockhart Arasu, click here.
Upcoming Events
Shorebird food sources - the life below the mudflats
A Presentation by Josh Nitschke
Saturday 22nd August, 10.30am
Location: St Kilda Community Centre, 2 Beach Road, St Kilda, SA
Register for this free event with Humanitix here
Every year, thousands of migratory shorebirds travel more than 12,000 kilometres from the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary to reach their northern breeding grounds. But what do they eat to fuel one of the world's most remarkable migrations?
Join Josh Nitschke, Research Associate at Flinders University, as he explores the hidden world beneath the mudflats of Gulf St Vincent.
Mudflat Monitoring - Citizen science event
Sunday 30th August, 10am- 1pm
Location: Thompson Beach, north carpark
Discover the world beneath the mudflats and help us uncover what migratory shorebirds eat as they begin arriving from their incredible journeys.
This hands-on citizen science activity will explore the bivalves, crustaceans, worms and other invertebrates that live in the mud and provide vital food for thousands of shorebirds.
No experience is needed—we'll guide you through the survey techniques and help identify what you find. Just bring waterproof boots and dress for the weather.
