Oceans 11 as BirdLife acts to support hooded plovers

FOR a decade, hooded plovers have tried but failed in attempts to raise a chick to flying age on 13th Beach, between 29W and 31W.

Now as the plovers nest for the 11th year, BirdLife Australia is doing everything they can to offer protection and give the chicks the best chance of survival.

Renee Meade from BirdLife Australia said that on Thursday January 18 they ran a dogs’ breakfast morning at 30W on 13th Beach, to raise awareness for the threatened species.

“There are only 550 hooded plovers left in Victoria, they lay their camouflaged eggs directly on the sand and once the chick’s hatch they cannot fly for 35 days,” Ms Meade said.

“That’s a long time for a tiny chick to be running around on the beach avoiding predators, people and dogs.”

Ms Meade said they chose the site at 30W because it’s an important nesting site that’s also popular among dog owners.

“It’s a popular place for people to bring their dogs but unfortunately this stretch has never successfully raised a chick.

“We’re hoping we may get to see a chick survive for the 11th year of these birds trying.”

The BirdLife team chatted with people who were at the beach giving out information surrounding the birds including threats they face and how the public can help.

“We offered a free breakfast for anyone who wanted a cool drink and snack and were also giving away free dog leads and doggy treats,” she said.

“We’ve had three pairs attempt to raise their families on the beach with eight nesting attempts between them and only three chicks hatched.

“These chicks didn’t survive longer than a week and it takes five weeks for them to be able to fly, so we’re asking the community to abide by the signage in place on the beach and leash their dogs as they go past the nesting area – not to linger in the area and stay at the water’s edge as they go past.”

Ms Meade said the event, funded by the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority and supported by Barwon Coast Committee of Management and Parks Victoria, was a massive success with local Starfish bakery supplying the muffins.