World Seabird Day is held on 3rd July, marking when the extinct Great Auk Pinguinis impennis was last seen in 1844. Seabirds refer to a group of birds that adapted to the marine environment. Most species are currently threatened by human activities, like oil spills, getting trapped in fishing nets, climate change, and severe weather. Seabird scientists and enthusiasts commemorate this date to raise awareness of the ongoing conservation threats to seabird populations. Regarding solutions, there is a current focus on adjusting fishing techniques and establishing wildlife refugees.
The Great Auk was a penguin that was native to the Northern Hemisphere. A flightless North Atlantic seabird, the Great Auk was a powerful swimmer whose extinction became a lasting warning about human impact on wildlife. They were native to the Arctic and sub-Arctic, and became extinct in 1844.
Here in the Southern Hemisphere the children I teach know a lot about penguins and the various types that are native to Australia and Antarctica. Some also ask for books about albatross and skuas, but there are many other seabirds. Looking at seabird identification charts such as these shows just how many there are.
A favourite picture book about Australian seabirds is The Best Beak in Boonaroo Bay by Narelle Oliver. This beautiful book was published over thirty years ago but it is still available to purchase and it is a fun read and discussion starter when students start competing. It is also a good way to talk about comparisons and whether it is an equal playing field.
South with the Seabirds by Jess McGeachin tells the story of four female scientists who went to Antarctica in 1959 to research birds.
