The Darwin-Garramilla Shorebird Festival will be held for the fourth time at the end of this month, organiser Bird Life Top End has said.

Bird Life’s Dr Amanda Lilleyman said the event celebrates the arrival of thousands of migratory shorebirds that travel from as far away as Siberia and Alaska, and will feature a week-long series of activities to connect the public with the birds.

“Darwin is Australia’s city of birds, and our festival is growing in size and popularity every year. Birdwatching is booming all across Australia, and there is nowhere better than Darwin to see some of Australia’s most beautiful birds,” Dr Lilleyman said.

“This year, more than ever, with the threat of bird flu looming over Australia, there’s never been a better time to celebrate our extraordinary birdlife and commit to doing everything we can to protect them.

“Everyone can help protect the Common Greenshank and other shorebirds by keeping at least 200 metres away from shorebirds at the beach, preserving habitat, and keeping dogs on the leash so they can’t chase shorebirds.”

Dr Lilleyman said the program includes a guided bird walk at Sandy Creek, a wingspan board-game afternoon with themed snacks and a national webinar on the impact of birds on lives featuring notable speakers, and concludes with a lecture on shorebird identification and populations in the Top End.

Other events include a Malleefowl documentary screening, a paint-and-sip workshop with artist Ellyane Wall, and multiple birdwatching activities at different locations. Registration is required for most events.

Dr Lilleyman said the loss and degradation of habitats along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway, combined with disturbances and the reduction of feeding and roosting areas in Australia, was increasingly stressing these birds.

She said protecting Darwin’s coastal habitat formed part of an international effort to ensure migratory shorebirds can continue making these journeys.

Bird Life focuses on raising awareness of the importance of shorebirds and the conservation measures needed to safeguard their habitats.

The festival takes place from September 20 to 27. For more information, visit the Darwin-Garramilla Shorebird Festival website.