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Published 29th October 2024
𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀!
Over the last Hooded Plover breeding season, we fledged five chicks on our local beaches, three at Shelley Beach and two on North Carrickalinga Beach with the help of our dedicated Hooded Plover monitors. This was the best season since 2016!
The Hooded Plover, or hoodie as it is affectionately known, lives its entire life on the beach, where it breeds between August and March by laying eggs on the sand just above the high tide mark. The number of hoodies has been declining across southern Australia as they have one of the lowest breeding success rates in the world. It is very hard for this species to find a spot on the beach that is not disturbed by visitors, vehicles or dogs. Every time they are disturbed and leave their nests, the eggs and chicks are vulnerable to predators and extreme temperatures.
With less than 70 Hooded Plovers nesting on our local beaches in the whole Fleurieu and Adelaide metro region, they are very vulnerable not only to natural threats, such as storm surges, high tides and native predators but also to introduced pests, such as foxes.
How you can help?* Learn to identify Hoodies and please keep your distance from fenced nests.
* If you walk your dog along the beach, please keep them on a leash near a fenced nest or chicks and walk at the water’s edge.
* If you ride your horse on the beach, please ride close to the water’s edge.
* If you drive on the beach, please try and keep as close to the water’s edge as possible.
* Become a Hooded Plover monitor
The 2024/2025 season started well, with several nests already fenced to help protect the birds and we are hoping for another successful season.
If you would like to be a Hooded Plover monitor, which involves walking on your local beach when it suits you, please contact Wendy White on 0413 918 085.
This program is run by BirdLife Australia and proudly supported by Green Adelaide, Hills & Fleurieu Landscape Board, National Parks and Wildlife SA and the Coastal Councils of the Adelaide and Fleurieu Coastline.
Article by Wendy White, Friends of Hooded Plover, Fleurieu Peninsula