The shorebird nesting period has officially started with National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and Council Rangers observing several nesting birds over the past week along the Shoalhaven coastline.
From August to March each year threatened shorebirds lay their eggs in shallow nests on local beaches.
“We often observe endangered pied oystercatchers and little terns as well as critically endangered hooded plovers seeking a safe nesting area along our coastline,” said Manager – Environmental Services, Dr Michael Roberts.
“Their survival relies on their ability to successfully incubate their eggs, and raise their young in these nests, until they fledge,” Dr Roberts said.
As the eggs are quite well camouflaged, they are at greater risk of being disturbed unwittingly by beachgoers and dogs.
Fencing has been erected to mark the nesting locations and to provide a buffer from pedestrian activities.
“We can all play an important role in protecting these endangered creatures. It is as simple as keeping clear of the nests and not walking dogs in designated dog-prohibited areas,” he said.
The return of these birds to the Shoalhaven and the ongoing utilisation of habitats along our coastline is great news for the region. NPWS works collaboratively with Council Rangers to ensure that these species do not become further endangered by illegal or unauthorised activities.
Beachgoers are reminded to check Council’s website for information on off-leash and prohibited areas.
For more information on shorebirds, visit our website or the National Parks and Wildlife Service webpage.
