Be on the lookout

Taking care of endangered birds during nesting season

Last year, nesting season for the Hooded Plovers shared a positive trend in several regions including the Limestone Coast compared to previous years fledged chicks.

Hooded Plovers are one of Australia’s top 20 threatened bird species, estimated at fewer than 800 birds in South Australia. Supporting the vulnerable species by protecting them from predators and restoring and protecting habitat is an important project of the Limestone Coast Landscape Board funded through from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.

Our Coorong | Our Coast project coordinator Robbie Andrew urges visitors to the region to be mindful of nesting Hooded Plovers during the warmer months. “During the summer months the birds lay their eggs in the sand, and to protect the eggs, will try to lead predators away from the nest, leaving them vulnerable to trampling,” Robbie said.

There are a few things we can do to support Hooded Plovers (pictured below nesting in Canunda national Park) during their breeding season such as –

• Keeping your dog on a leash at all times and walking near the water’s edge

• Paying attention to Hooded Plover awareness signs at beach entrances

• Keeping away from temporary fenced off areas on the beach that are there to protect nests and chicks

• Moving away quietly if you spot hooded plovers on the beach “As we share our coastal landscape with them, we can all play our part in looking after chicks to give them the best chance of survival,” Robbie said.

To read more about the Our Coorong | Our Coast project go to www.landscape.sa.gov.au/lc