Two years ago the rare Beach Stone Curlew bred on Curlew Island. There is only one known pair in the Broadwater. They brought out two chicks but both became entangled in discarded fishing line. The fishing line wraps around the limb and cuts off circulation. The birds often die as a result. Our bird hero Roley Goonan managed to catch one early and free it. The other was caught much later and dispatched to Currumbin Bird Hospital. I am not sure that it ultimately survived as I only saw a trio from then on. I haven't seen the birds for over a year now and had been concerned about their survival.
Yesterday I was doing a weed survey with Paul Donatiu form 'Heathy Waterways' and he spotted a bird. It turned out to be the family of three Beach Stone Curlews. I hope they make it for another year and years after that.
On this trip we disturbed a female darter. On the photo it looks as though it has shark hook in its bill.
If you must fish! Fish responsibly.
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