Every year since 1983, a summer and winter count of the birds of the Walvis Bay wetland has taken place. The counts were conducted to determine the number and species of birds and from the results determine if it could be classed as a wetland of international importance. The birds are a good indicator of the health of the wetland and a valuable natural asset in the important and growing tourism industry. Mostly volunteers conducted the counts, with financial assistance from local businesses. Several authors used the data to publish scientific and popular articles. Key words: Bird counts, Walvis Bay, waders, shore birds, wetlands, Ramsar.