Hooded Plover Nesting Update

Temporary Beach Closure Notice 

Good news! We currently have six active hooded plover nests expected to hatch in the coming weeks. 

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 Chick 
  • Hatched: 18 December 2024
  • Expected Fledge: 22 January 2025

 

  1. Donut Carpark to RAAFS
  • Eggs: 2 
  • Failed (environmental pressures)
  • 2 Chicks reached 1 week old 

 

  1. The Corner to The Hole (13th Beach)
  • New nesting attempt after failure (washed away by tide)
  • Eggs: 3
  • Expected Hatch: 26 January 2025

 

4. Bluff Carpark to Corner

  • Failed (washed away by tide)

 

 5. The Ant to Horse Carpark

  • Failed (natural causes-bird of prey)
  •  1 Chick reached 2 weeks old

 

6. Horse Carpark to Blue Rocks 

  • Failed (washed away by tide)

 

7. Stingray Bay

  • Failed (washed away by tide)
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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