Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Hooded Plovers are doing it tough!The Hooded Plovers breeding season is not off to a great start, but our community can help them by providing space for the birds to have a nest and raise a family.
By Portal Admin - 7th November 2016 - Back to News As many people may know, the Hooded Plover is a vulnerable species in Australia and endangered in Victoria.
Due to the breeding habits of these birds, it is very easy for them to be disturbed by people and their pets without people even knowing.
Bass Coast Shire Council’s Manager Sustainable Environment, Deirdre Griepsma, said the good news is there are a few easy steps people can take to help out these birds.
"Hooded Plovers nest in the foredunes on our beaches, as they are extremely well adapted to living on the beach," Ms Griepsma said.
"They forage at all levels of the water on a variety of food, such as sand hoppers, mollusks, insects, worms and seeds from aquatic plants.
"In Bass Coast, we are fortunate enough to have stretches of well preserved natural coastline, it is the perfect invitiation to these vulnerable beach nesting birds."
Last breeding season saw good results compared to previous seasons. Forty chicks survived the summer conditions and crowds and made it to the flying stage, also known as fledging.
This season we have had a total of 28 nesting attempts on beaches across the entire Shire. So far, only two nests have made it to the hatching stage and no chicks have survived to date. That means 84 eggs have been laid and no chicks have lived beyond a few days, which isn’t a good result for the Hooded Plover.
It takes four weeks to incubate the eggs till they hatch, and a further five weeks until the chicks can fly and therefore avoid danger. This is a long time to spend exposed on beaches with threats to their survival coming from storms, extreme heat, high winds, foxes, ravens, cats, people, dogs and numerous other elements.
Whilst we can’t control the weather and some predators, we can influence the way our community and visitors behave, and try and minimise disturbance humans cause.
People can help the Hooded Plovers have a successful breeding season by undertaking the following:
Avoid using beaches known to be used for Hooded Plover breeding
Walk close to the water’s edge
Keep an eye out for and obey signage and barriers put up for the protection of the birds
Keep your dog on a leash at all times and off the beach during ‘no dogs’ times. For details on restrictions please see the website www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/dogwalking
If you wish to let your dog run free, please use the designated off-leash areas that are around the Shire
Report any incidents to 1300 BCOAST (226 278) or (03) 5671 2211
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: support@gippsland.com
Related Articles- Nationals' $100M Safer Communities Plan targets crime crisis with tough laws and prevention programs across Gippsland
Martin Cameron backed a $100 million Safer Communities Plan, promising tougher laws and prevention programs to tackle Victoria's crime crisis, restore community safety, and support at-risk youth, contrasting Labor's cuts. - Forge Theatre's school holiday season brings classic tales, comedy chaos and heartfelt community spirit to East Gippsland
The Forge Theatre's school holiday season features The Velveteen Rabbit, Polite Mammals, and The Heartbreak Choir, offering family fun, comedy, and heartfelt community spirit with something for everyone to enjoy. - Wellington Shire Council offers free green waste disposal to help residents reduce fire hazards this season
Wellington Shire Council is urging property owners, particularly in coastal communities, to prepare for the fire danger period by taking advantage of its Fire Ready No-Fee Green Waste Disposal program. - Gumbuya World kicks off summer fun with Oasis Springs reopening and family-friendly GumBOOya Halloween extravaganza
Gumbuya World reopens Oasis Springs on November 1, launching summer's splash season after GumBOOya Halloween. Families can enjoy slides, wildlife encounters, cabanas, and year-round thrills just 50 minutes from Melbourne. - Darren Chester joins East Gippsland community to honour fallen Victoria police officers on Remembrance Day
Darren Chester joined the East Gippsland community for National Police Remembrance Day in Bairnsdale, honouring Victoria Police officers who lost their lives and recognising those who continue to serve. - Latrobe City Children's Expo returns to Kernot Hall with family fun, interactive learning and the Monash Teddy Bear Hospital
Latrobe City Children's Expo returns to Kernot Hall on 23 October, featuring fun activities, entertainment, local services, and the Monash Teddy Bear Hospital promoting children's health, learning, and community connection. - Melina Bath thanks community for support, generosity, and resilience during festive season and year’s end
Marking the festive season, I thank eastern Victoria’s community for generosity, resilience, and support, celebrating local businesses, families, and volunteers while wishing everyone a safe, joyful, and prosperous 2026. - Gippsland’s Great Southern Rail Trail passes charming villages, rolling hills, murals, waterfalls, and welcoming country hospitality
The Great Southern Rail Trail stretches 146 km through Gippsland, linking rolling hills, charming villages, art-filled streets, cider tastings, waterfalls, scenic lookouts, and unforgettable cycling and walking experiences. - Rokeby to Noojee $4M trail upgrade officially opens, enhancing accessibility, safety, and visitor experience across region
A $4 million upgrade of the Rokeby to Noojee Trail has officially opened, delivering improved surfaces, facilities, signage and lookouts, with $3 million Victorian government funding and strong community contributions celebrated. - Have Your Say on Wonthaggi structure plan review aiming to guide growth, community needs and opportunities
Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing the Wonthaggi Structure Plan. Have your say on the town's growth, housing, jobs, heritage, and future opportunities to help shape Wonthaggi as Bass Coast regional hub. - Have your say on the 2027 transition to Pre-Prep and help shape early learning in South Gippsland
South Gippsland Shire Council is seeking feedback from parents and carers to help shape how the Victorian government's 2027 Pre-Prep program is delivered locally to meet community needs.
|
|
