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)
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Double-banded Plover, Greater Sand Plover and Red-capped Plover
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Bar-tailed Godwits
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Pacific Golden Plover
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Ruddy Turnstone
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Black-tailed Godwit
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Greater Sand Plover
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Crested Terns
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Sharp-tailed Sandpiper
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Red-necked Stint and Far Eastern Curlew
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Curlew Sandpiper
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Great Knots
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Black-faced Cormorant
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Red Knot
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Fairy Tern
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Bar-tailed Godwit
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Red-capped plover with chick
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White-bellied Sea Eagle
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Sooty oystercatcher
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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, spanning four local council areas and bordering Adelaide’s northern suburbs. 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, birds travel from breeding grounds as far away as Siberia and Alaska, passing through 22 countries before arriving here.
More than five million birds use this flyway annually, with more than 20,000 regularly found within the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary, relying on its tidal flats, wetlands and coastal habitats to feed and rest during their long journeys.
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FAIBS 10 YEARS
FAIBS 10 YEARS
In 2026 FAIBS is marking its 10th anniversary and to celebrate we have a year full of fantastic events planned. Whether you are already a member or have never visited the sanctuary before, we would love to see you.
See upcoming events below or go to calendar for more.
Upcoming Events
The Wonders of Shorebirds - celebrating 10 years of the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary Webinar
Presented by Mary-Ann Van Trigt and Green Adelaide
Wednesday 29th April, 4-5 pm
Online via Teams
Join bird enthusiast and Friends of Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary President, Mary-Ann Van Trigt, for an engaging webinar exploring the incredible world of shorebirds and the globally significant Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary National Park – Winaityinaityi Pangkara.
You will discover:
The extraordinary journeys of migratory shorebirds travelling up to 12,000 km all the way from Alaska and Siberia
Why the sanctuary’s mudflats, mangroves and coastal habitats are critical for feeding and survival
Fascinating insights into species such as red-necked stints, curlew sandpipers, red knots and eastern curlews
How thousands of birds rely on this coastline as a key resting and refuelling site each year
The story behind the sanctuary’s establishment
The role of Friends of Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary, in caring for and restoring the landscape
Flyways -The story of migratory shorebirds, community film screening
Presented by Friends of Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary and Port Environment Centre
Friday 8th May, 7pm
Semaphore Odeon Star Cinema
Tickets $10 including a free candy bar item!
This 90-minute documentary, directed by Randall Wood, follows the extraordinary journeys of migratory shorebirds as they travel from Australia to the Arctic. It highlights the speed and scale of their migrations, while exploring their remarkable endurance and navigation. The film also examines the challenges they face from human development, featuring tracking technology and international conservation efforts.
Become a frequent flyer
Join the flyway to receive our monthly events emails, express an interest in becoming a paid member, or simply ask a question.
