The 4th Coihuín and Chamiza Bird Festival: a celebration of shorebirds 

By Gabriela Contreras (CSF 2022)

On October 19, the town of Coihuín in Puerto Montt, Chile became the epicenter of environmental conservation with the 4th Coihuín and Chamiza Bird Festival, an event that brought together more than 250 people, including families, students, teachers and experts to highlight the biodiversity of the Coihuín marine wetland.  

The Coihuín wetland, with 1,700 hectares of mudflats and tidal flats, is a crucial site for migratory species such as Hudsonian Godwit (Limosa haemastica) and Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus), as well as resident birds such as American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus). Since 1995, it has been key to shorebird research and conservation, with projects such as the Neotropical Waterbird Censuses and is part of the Migratory Bird Project (MSP) since 2017. Considered important in the Atlas of Shorebirds of Chile, this site has been the subject of studies on bird diversity and abundance, at both national and international level. 

In 2020, the first Coihuín Bird Festival was held, organized jointly with the Marine Conservation Foundation (FCM), Manomet, the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network (WHSRN), and the Network of Bird Observers in Chile (ROC), with the aim of strengthening collaborative networks between the community, organizations, and public and private entities. Since 2022, together with the Coastal Solutions Fellows Program, we have focused on continuing the implementation of actions that improve the conditions and uses of the wetland, in synergy with existing initiatives. This project promotes conservation with community participation, involving the community, students, neighbors, local organizations and partners. Efforts continue to date, delivering conservation and local governance initiatives, involving more than 300 people in festivals, community engagement activities, and bird monitoring.

The Coihuín and Chamiza Bird Festival aims to consolidate itself as a key platform to promote the conservation of shorebirds and their habitats. The idea is that in the mid- and long term, progress will be made in the design of collaborative zoning and the implementation of good practices through educational activities and community participation. At the same time, it reinforces local capacity building, especially among students and volunteers, who participated in bird watching and monitoring outings. The festivals, which have had the participation of various stakeholders, have become a crucial space for strengthening the knowledge and appreciation of the Coihuín wetland, with emphasis on the protection of species such as Hudsonian Godwit and Whimbrel.

An event with purpose 

The festival, held in partnership with La Chamiza Rural School, was not only a celebration of biodiversity, but also an educational space designed to reinforce the connection between local communities and the habitats that surround them. The school played a crucial role as host, solidifying partnerships with local, national, and international institutions committed to protecting shorebirds and their ecosystems.

The main objective was to raise awareness and appreciation of the wetland’s conservation efforts, as well as the survival of migratory and resident bird species, which face various threats such as irresponsible pet ownership, unplanned urban development, pollution, and climate change.

A day full of activities and learning  

Educational stands, sale of local products and scientific exhibitions.  

Each year, the festival brings together various partner organizations and local producers who focus their activities and sales on bird watching and conservation. The day featured more than 14 interactive stands offering information, products and activities for all attendees. Among the partners were Monte Mar, University of Santo Tomás – Puerto Montt, NGO Alerce Andino, Kukarun, Leufu Chamiza, Acabose, 5th and 6th grade of the Pelluco School, Agrupación Gayi, Valentina Ilustradora, La Botiendita, ROC, SAHM Art and Design, Agriculture and Ranching Service (SAG), and the Municipality of Puerto Montt. Each of them contributed to raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity through their initiatives and interactive proposals.

Additionally, scientific posters were presented by students from various institutions and organizations, such as FCM, the NGO Alerce Andino, the Pumahue School, the San Sebastian School of Salamanca, the i~mar Center and the Ecology Laboratory of the Department of Biological Sciences and Biodiversity of the Universidad de Los Lagos, and the ROC. Topics ranged from bird ecology to the effects of human activity on wetlands, highlighting the diversity of approaches to conservation and scientific research.

Birding Olympics 

One of the most exciting moments of the festival was the Birding Olympics, a dynamic competition of knowledge about birds in which children and adults participated. In the children’s category, the winners were Vicente Flores (1st place), Maximiliano Almonacid (2nd place) and Drago Awerkin (3rd place). In the adult category, awards were given to Diego Caro (1st place), Danae Garrido (2nd place) and Sergio Hernández (3rd place). The awards, sponsored by BirdsChile, Garuga and Faunánimo, further encouraged enthusiasm for learning about birds.

Tours and sightings 

Throughout the day, attendees had the opportunity to explore the wetland through kayak tours, organized by Leufu Chamiza, and a 10-kilometer bike ride led by Lluviosos Ciclistas. Sighting trips guided by ROC members also took place at various key points of the wetland, where species such as Whimbrel, American Oystercatcher, Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus), Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes), Greater Yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca), Southern Lapwing (Vanellus chilensis), Ringed Kingfisher (Megaceryle torquata), Brown-hooded Gull (Chroicocephalus maculipennis) and Black-faced Ibis were observed (Theristicus melanopis).  

Muralism 

The festival was also the scene of the inauguration of a new mural, created by SAHM Art and Design, which depicts wetland species, along with migratory routes that connect Coihuín with Nearctic regions more than 10,000 kilometers away.

Interactive workshops 

In the afternoon, several workshops were held on practical areas such as shorebird illustration, bioacoustics, photography, nest house construction, egg camouflage, and responsible pet ownership. These activities allowed attendees, especially children and teens, to acquire useful skills for environmental conservation.

Drawing contest awards ceremony 

At the end of the day, the drawing competition awards ceremony was held, where students from the La Chamiza Rural School showcased their creativity and connection with the natural environment. The winners in the children’s category were Trinidad Leiva (1st place), Matías Maldonado (2nd place) and Alicia Rodríguez (3rd place), while in the youth category Barbara Maripán (1st place), Jean Pierre Maldonado (2nd place) and Gabriel Delgado (3rd place) stood out.

A special thank you 

The festival’s success was possible thanks to the joint efforts of many people and institutions. We would especially like to thank the La Chamiza Rural School for hosting the event, the Pelluco School for its outstanding participation, and partner organizations such as Monte Mar, SAG, Manomet, FCM, ROC, Lluviosos Ciclistas and University of Santo Tomas Puerto Montt. We also extend our thanks to the parents, volunteers and members of ROC, whose support was essential for the success of this event. In addition, we would like to acknowledge and thank our funders: US Forest Service and the Coastal Solutions Fellows Program, whose support made this event a reality.

Moving towards a sustainable future 

The 4th Coihuín and Chamiza Bird Festival was not only a space for celebration, but a call to action to protect wetlands and the species that depend on them. These types of activities strengthen community ties and promote a collective commitment to conservation, ensuring that future generations will be able to enjoy these valuable ecosystems. 

See you at the next edition of the festival, with more activities, learning and reasons to celebrate our biodiversity!