The chilly, damp atmosphere last Sunday (14th July) didn’t deter a group of dedicated volunteers from cleaning up along tracks and trails at Thompson Beach. 

Friends of the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary (FAIBS) and Thompson Beach Progress Association (TBPA) members joined forces to walk the northern sections, armed with gloves, tongs and bags needed to pick up the likes of bottles, cans, plastic and polystyrene debris, along with discarded socks and sneakers. Some of the group also did fence repairs. 

Even though the duration of the activities was reduced due to rain, a positive impact was made.

FAIBS appreciated the support of the TBPA and DEW Ranger Erik Dahl, and a great camaraderie developed as the morning was rounded off in the Thompson Beach Community Shed with participants enjoying hot drinks, cookies and conversation.

It was pleasing to have multiple generations, local people and visitors to the area taking part; all motivated by the knowledge of how important care of this habitat is to the sustainability of the thousands of resident and migratory birds that feed here in variable numbers through the seasons. 

FAIBS’ next community event in the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary is planned as a working bee and planting morning on Sunday, 18th August. Further information about location and times can be accessed by emailing faibssa@gmail.com.

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Thanks to FAIBS for providing the report and to the FAIBS and TBPA members who gave up part of their Sunday to work in less than ideal conditions – it was a fantastic effort!

FAIBS is a group of community members who have a special interest in the birds that live along the Samphire Coast, and volunteer their time to help protect the areas that support them. You can learn more about FAIBS here.