Zephyr Jones, a 14-year-old passionate conservationist from Elliston, is launching a unique art exhibition titled Share Our Shores.
Running from 19 December to 20 February, 2026 at the Elliston Town Hall, the showcase combines creative talent with urgent environmental advocacy.
Zephyr has spent the last two years creating this project as part of her home-schooling curriculum, driven by three years of active bird monitoring on the Eyre Peninsula.
“I love shorebirds and can see that they desperately need our help,” Zephyr explained.
“Shorebirds are among the most endangered birds in the world.”
The exhibition features detailed watercolour and linocut artworks depicting 20 distinct species—16 migratory and four resident beach-nesting birds. Beyond the art, the display serves as a critical educational tool. Each piece is accompanied by informative posters detailing the behavior, habitats, and significant threats these birds face.
The message is urgent, as Zephyr notes that, ‘some species have lost 80 per cent of their population in the last 30 years’.
Zephyr remains hopeful that the community will engage with the cause.
“With knowledge, understanding and simple steps we can share their story and reverse their decline,” she said.
“Every year migratory shorebirds traverse the globe from Australia to the Arctic so they can breed. It is a journey they have made for thousands of years, following an ancient invisible pathway.
“Shorebirds are among the most endangered birds in the world, largely due to coastal development, climate change and disturbance from cars, dogs and people on beaches.
“I want to celebrate the remarkable lives of shorebirds, and inspire people to notice the birds on our shoreline.
“I think shorebirds are such amazing, inspiring, beautiful and intrepid travellers and I think that each one of us that enjoys this pristine coastline should do all we can to ensure the survival of these birds.”
Visitors can purchase printed gift cards of the paintings, with funds going toward shorebird protection.
To view Zephyr’s display, head to Elliston Town Hall (Community and Information Centre) during Information Centre hours from now until 20 February, 2026.
