EASTERN curlews, bar-tailed godwits and grey tailed tattlers have returned to Moreton Bay after a 10,000 kilometre round trip to the arctic circle for breeding season.
Hundreds of locals and visitors took the opportunity to soak in their arrival on Saturday at an event hosted by community organisation Redlands2030 at GJ Walter Park, Cleveland.
Activities included model bird painting, shorebird watching through long range telescopes and speeches about the conservation of the critically endangered eastern curlew, whose habitat in Toondah Harbour is the subject of a proposed $1.4 billion redevelopment.
Redlands2030 president Steve MacDonald said the crowd, which included visitors from places like Perth, Redcliffe and northern New South Wales, was bigger than expected.
"They were more engaged than in previous times and very generous," he said.
"There was a large percentage of people we had not seen before. Around 20 to 30 per cent of people seemed to be new faces.
"The cohort was much younger than in previous years too. Normally in Cleveland you get an older cohort but we had a couple of younger families come along.
"I would have to say it was the best event we have conducted yet."
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