Hooded Plovers are nesting again

The regular adult pair of Seacliff Hooded Plovers have nested again, just north of Shoreham Rd. Two eggs have been laid. Estimated hatching date is 21st September.

The regular adult pair of Seacliff Hooded Plovers have nested again, just north of Shoreham Rd. Fencing and signage has been put up by Holdfast Bay Council. Two eggs have been laid and are being incubated by the birds. Estimated hatching date is 21st September.

Now that they are not nesting by the drain, the adult plovers are taking turns on the nest and often have their breaks by the water's edge to cool down if it is sunny. That means they run across the beach to the sea and then back to the nest so please give them a chance to do that and try not to disturb them wherever they are on the beach.

Don't sit on the beach in the vicinity of the fence or signs as your presence could upset the birds and make them desert the nest.

Even though it is not daylight saving and dogs can run off lead (but under effective control) on the beach, the new by-law created last year means that dogs must be leashed within 100m of the Plover Nesting signs and there are penalties if they are not.

As the upset owner of the dog that chased and accidentally killed a chick will agree, dogs can be unpredictable and chase the movement just in play but can easily injure or kill a fragile chick so please keep them on the lead near the nesting area.

Once the chicks hatch they are very vulnerable to disturbance and predators so please keep an eye out and don't get too close to them - they won't be able to fly so will be very vulnerable for 4 -5 weeks - until the end of October.

Thanks for your cooperation and lets hope the birds can continue their successful breeding career at Seacliff for the fourth year running.