GORCAPA announces Hoodie Heroes program

THE Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) is seeking new volunteers Apollo Bay and the surrounding area to help protect hooded plover chicks this spring.

Less than one in 10 chicks of the species also known as hoodies survive to adulthood, a statistic GORCAPA is working hard to change.

In the Apollo Bay and surrounding areas, a low number of volunteers is putting these vulnerable birds at further risk.

In partnership with BirdLife Australia, GORCAPA is urging both locals and holidayers to consider helping protect the region’s hoodies by volunteering with the Hoodie Heroes program.

“These little birds are tough, determined, and clinging to survival on some of our busiest beaches,” GORCAPA conservation co-ordinator Scott Hives said.

“We’d love to see more people volunteering to help authorities protect them during the breeding season.

“Come join other passionate locals volunteering every year. It is a really rewarding experience and we would encourage anyone interested to reach out and get involved.”

Volunteers would be required to monitor nesting sites, collect data, keep an eye on newly hatched chicks and educate beachgoers on how to protect the species.

Hoodie Heroes is focused on beaches and foreshore areas between Separation Creek and Moonlight Head, where nesting activity is high.

Training will be provided by GORCAPA’s conservation team throughout spring, with the BirdLife Australia team also providing ongoing support.

For more information, head to haveyoursay.greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au/hoodies