Hooded Plover Nesting Update

Temporary Beach Closure Notice 

We currently have one active hooded plover nest that is expected to hatch in the coming weeks. Six sites with adult birds on territory, which will hopefully result in eggs and one successful nesting site in Collendina. The chick has survived five weeks and is now classified as a fledgling, learning to fly.

To help these endangered birds give their chicks the best chance of survival: 

  • stay close to the water’s edge 
  • obey all signs 
  • keep clear of fenced areas 
  • keep dogs on a lead and out of breeding zones and sand dunes 
  • keep clear of all temporary closure areas. 

 

Temporary beach closures will be in place for up to 5 weeks, until the chicks have been observed to fly independently. We suggest altering your beach use to avoid these areas.  
We will keep you informed with the movements of these nests. 

 

Active Nesting Sites 

  1. Tuckfield St to Wedge St
  • 1 Fledgling 
  • Hatched: 18 December 2024
  • Successful fledge: 28 January 2025
  • Now a juvenile learning to fly
  • Temporary beach closure has been removed at this site.

 

  1. Donut Carpark to RAAFS
  • Birds on territory

 

  1. The Corner to The Hole (13th Beach)
  • Birds on Territory

 

4. Bluff Carpark to Corner

  • Nest 3 eggs incubating

  • Hatch 21 February 2025

  • Fledge 28 March 2025

 

 5. The Ant to Horse Carpark

  • Birds on territory

 

6. Horse Carpark to Blue Rocks 

  • Birds on territory

 

7. Stingray Bay

  • Birds on territory

 

8. 13th Main – Boings

  • Birds on territory
We’re very happy and appreciative that so many members of the community are keeping an eye out for the Hoodies this year.
While visiting the beach, it is possible that you might find a nest with eggs before we do.
 
When Hoodie parents detect a possible threat, such as a person near their nest, they will try to protect the nest by leading you away from it. If you see a nest with eggs but you can’t see the parents – don’t worry, they likely won’t be far away.
 

If you find a nest with eggs:

  • Do not touch or move the eggs – if the eggs are moved the parents might struggle to find them again
  • Move away from the area – parent Hoodies will only incubate the nest if there are no perceived threats present
  • Let us know – please contact Barwon Coast 5254 1118 so that our Natural Reserves team can take action
Hooded Plover nesting
This image of a Hooded Plover in their nest was taken from a previous nest between Barwon Heads Bluff and The Corner in late 2024

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