A Darwin-based ornithologist was left embarrassed after taking world-recognised researchers to count shorebirds near Lee Point, only to find dog owners disrupting the annual migration.

The 8-kilometre Casuarina Coastal reserve stretches from Rapid Creek to Lee Point and Buffalo Creek, of which only 1.8 kilometres is reserved as a protection ground for nesting migratory birds.

Ornithology associate researcher at Charles Darwin University Amanda Lilleyman said since witnessing the "total lack of respect" from dog owners she was calling on the community to start caring about the city's "wild" drawcard.

Ms Lilleyman took a team of seven researchers from BirdLife Top End and ornithologists attending the 10th Annual Australasian Ornithological Conference (AOC) to the designated bird protection beach between Lee Point and Buffalo Creek, and said the team was "heartbroken".

Ms Lilleyman is calling on the Darwin community to show more care for endangered migratory birds. ( ABC News: Gabrielle Lyons )

"All the researchers were saddened and disappointed; this is an embarrassment for the Darwin community," Ms Lilleyman said.

"Thousands of migratory shore birds nest here. Dogs are a predator. It's that simple.

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"These researchers have dedicated their lives to protecting and understanding the ecology of these endangered birds.

"Seeing people blatantly ignore that is heartbreaking."

Signage ignored

Ms Lilleyman said this was an ongoing issue in the Top End, and said the community continued to ignore council signage.

"No matter how many signs, how many community events, statues and the lot, we feel incredibly unheard," she said.

"Those who say they cannot see the signs are clearly not looking."

Acting district manager of Darwin Urban Parks Dean McAdam agreed with Ms Lilleyman and said dog owners had ample space available without interrupting the birdlife.

"All the beach access points on Lee Point have huge signage to demonstrate where you can and cannot walk your dogs," Mr McAdam told ABC Radio Darwin's Conor Byrne.

"They are hard to miss. There really is no excuse."

"There are 6 kilometres of beach available for dog walkers, and only 1.8 kilometres of beach for the birds, this situation is hard to fathom."

Ignorance could lead to extinction

Ms Lilleyman said the threat dogs posed to migratory shorebirds could have an indefinite impact.

"This is not just happening here in Darwin; this is an Australia-wide issue. We have a responsibility to protect our ecosystems and migratory birds for the future," she said.

"Beyond obviously dog attacks, when the birds feel threatened they fly off and burn the energy they need to continue on their migration around the world.

"The next step for these birds is extinction if we don't protect them."

Mr McAdam said Parks and Wildlife would continue to monitor the area and educate beach walkers.

"Parks and Wildlife do man the beaches, we'll continue to have a team to walk the beach and patrol the shorebird protected area," he said.

Thousands of migratory shorebirds roost along the Lee Point coastline every year. ( Supplied: Amanda Lilleyman )

"I think the issue is blatant ignorance, people are opting to walk on areas where they are signed not to."

Although the AOC was a successful event with more than 300 researchers and scientists attending, Ms Lilleyman said she hoped by next year the Darwin community demonstrated stronger support for local and migratory birdlife.

"I call on the Darwin community to start caring about the biodiversity that makes Darwin wild and the very reason so many people and tourists come to this natural and green city," she said.

"This was a prime opportunity to learn about citizen science, discuss endangered birds, and recognise how as a community we can protect our birdlife."