Workshop helps to give plovers some love

September 16 was Plover Appreciation Day, with BirdLife Australia holding hooded plover volunteer training workshops on the day for those who were eager to learn more.

The aim of Plover Appreciation Day is to make people aware of the problems facing the ground-nesting birds.

BirdLife Australia held two separate volunteer training workshops at Breamlea Caravan Park.

Beach-nesting expert Grainne Maguire said there was plenty people could do to help ensure the safety of these birds.

“We can help these birds raise their families or get ready for their return migrations by taking care when we are sharing space with them.

“That includes keeping dogs on leads and keeping out of areas when the birds are nesting.”

The Surf Coast is a key habitat to the endangered species, but development along the coast has limited where they can nest.

However, much of the work done by groups such as BirdLife Australia and their volunteers has brought results, as hooded plovers’ breeding success rates have risen from two per cent to 55 per cent.

Ms Maguire said negative perception of the birds is often due to them not fully understanding the species.

“When many people think of plovers they think of the masked lapwings which nest on grassy areas – they are the birds that might swoop you at the local footy oval.

“Many plover species, including the hooded plover on the Surf Coast, are highly threatened because they nest in some of our favourite areas to relax and enjoy being outside. Both species are just trying to protect their young.”

If you are interested in learning more about volunteering for BirdLife Australia, head to birdlife.org.au/support-us/volunteer.