Tribute to Wayne ‘Doc’ Burke: a legacy of shorebird conservation

ith deep sadness, we share the news of Wayne Burke’s passing on Tuesday in Barbados. Affectionately known as ‘Doc,’ Wayne was a tireless advocate for shorebird conservation and a visionary leader in transforming Barbados into a safer haven for migratory birds.

In 2008, Wayne began his journey with BirdLife International to address the unsustainable hunting of shorebirds. Together with two former hunters, he helped secure the lease for the abandoned shooting swamp at Woodbourne. Following restoration, the Woodbourne Shorebird Refuge welcomed its first southbound migrants in 2009, becoming a vital sanctuary for a remarkable diversity of shorebirds and waterbirds year-round.

Wayne’s 2009 publication in the Journal of the Barbados Museum and Historical Society  beautifully documents Woodbourne’s establishment and highlights the site’s immense ecological value. To ensure its long-term protection, he co-founded the Shorebird Conservation Trust, a registered charity in Barbados.

Wayne’s influence extended beyond Woodbourne. His efforts helped shift hunting practices in Barbados, leading to self-imposed bag limits by hunters and the establishment of several no-shooting swamps, including Congo Road and Fosters — now important shorebird refuges.

In recognition of his tireless dedication, Wayne received the Pablo Canevari Conservation Award in 2017.

For many years, Wayne managed the Woodbourne Shorebird Refuge with support from USAID, ensuring it remained a haven for shorebirds, students, researchers, and bird enthusiasts. In recent years, as Wayne has faced health issues, Ian ‘Bolt‘ Alkins has taken up this work, continuing Wayne’s legacy with equal passion and commitment.

Last month, during our eighth Caribbean Birding Trail Guide Training Workshop in Barbados, Woodbourne was a highlight for participants. Its incredible diversity of shorebirds and waterbirds made for an unforgettable experience, reinforcing the importance of Wayne’s work.

Our deepest condolences go out to all who knew and worked alongside Wayne. His unwavering dedication to protecting shorebirds has left an indelible mark on conservation in Barbados. We are profoundly grateful for his hard work, humor, and passion, and we are honoured to continue supporting his vision for a thriving Woodbourne Shorebird Refuge.

(This tribute was written by Lisa Sorenson, BirdsCaribbean, and we fully share her perspective)

The Land Conservancy Barbados