Helping Shorebirds Rest, One Conversation at a Time
Each fall, thousands of shorebirds stop at Saints Rest Beach in Saint John to rest during their long journey south. These birds depend on quiet, undisturbed beaches during high tide to conserve energy. But with more people and pets using these spaces, the risk of disturbance is growing.
Since 2019, the Saint John Naturalists’ Club, in partnership with Irving Nature Park (J.D. Irving, Limited) and Nature NB, has been working to protect these near-threatened birds through on-site education, respectful public outreach, and regular bird counts. The Shorebird Conservation and Education Project has grown into one of the Club’s major conservation initiatives.
What We Do
From mid-August to late September, volunteers and staff are present at Saints Rest Beach during high tide, when birds are most vulnerable to disturbance.
Our team:
- Counts and records shorebirds to monitor trends over time
- Engages beach visitors in conversations about shorebird migration and conservation
- Encourages respectful behavior, such as leashing dogs and walking around flocks
- Collects valuable data to inform future planning and protection efforts
This project began with weekend volunteer shifts and has expanded to include weekday coverage by a trained counter/educator. We also plan to assess other beaches in the region to identify potential roosting and feeding sites.
Follow the season in action:
Our team monitors shorebird roosts daily during the migration season, tracking bird numbers and behaviours.
→ View Daily Reports
Why it matters
A single unnecessary flight can burn critical fat stores. By protecting these resting sites, we help give shorebirds a fighting chance to complete their migration.
Saints Rest Marsh and Beach is a designated Important Bird Area and is considered globally significant for migratory shorebirds. With populations of species like the Semipalmated Sandpiper, Semipalmated Plover, and Least Sandpiper in decline, every undisturbed roost counts. For more information, click here.
How you can help
Join our mission of protecting the shorebirds and their habitats by promoting awareness and education. With shifts on weekends as short as 2.5 hours, you have the flexibility to contribute based on your availability. By assisting beach visitors in understanding the significance of leashing dogs and respecting resting areas, you actively contribute to shorebird conservation.
Volunteer Season: August 23rd – September 21st
Location: Saints Rest Beach, Irving Nature Park, Saint John NB
Time Commitment: Shifts are 2.5 hours long on weekends, choose as few or as many as you like.
Training & Gear: We offer a training session prior to the season to equip you with all you’ll need to know about the project. Volunteers are loaned an official ID vest to wear during shifts. You’ll also receive a Shorebird of the Year ball cap which is yours to keep as a thank you!
Thank you
This project is made possible through the support and commitment of many individuals and organizations:
Project Committee Members:
Hank Scarth (Co-Chair)
Tawnee Dwyer (Co-Chair)
Brigitte Greene
Annie Trembley
Nancy Hamilton
Paul Martin (Official Counter/Educator)
Julie Bauer (Program Coordinator)
Partners:
Funders:
