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Threatened Bird Species Boosted By Hatching Chicks. Local community group, the Little Tern Taskforce, together with the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) are excited by the hatching of at least 35 Little Tern chicks at Lake Tyers in early December 2003. By Department of Sustainability and Environment - 12th January 2004 - Back to News Deakin University Student, Faye Bedford said that this is very positive for the overall Little Tern population in South-eastern Victoria.
"In recent years the breeding success of the threatened Little Tern has been extremely low," Ms Bedford said.
The hail storms that ripped through the East Gippsland region on Christmas Eve 2002 had a devastating effect on Little Tern breeding numbers, with a number of adult Little Tern being killed and the destruction of chicks and eggs.
"What made it more disturbing was that 95 per cent of the adult birds found dead were female which has had a devastating impact on the breeding population" Ms Bedford said.
In addition to the adverse weather conditions, there are many other pressures placed upon nesting colonies, including predation and disturbance by foxes, ravens and Silver Gulls as well as from dogs and people entering the colonies.
Ms. Bedford said that while the majority of people abide by the signage and steer clear of the nests, there are still those that walk through the colonies or allow their dogs to run through.
"Little Tern lay their eggs in a small depression in the sand and are often very difficult to detect. By walking through the colonies or allowing dogs to run through people have inadvertently crushed both eggs and chicks," Ms Bedford said.
"The lack of supervision of dogs can be extremely disturbing and heartbreaking to witness. To come to a site that was thriving the day before to find all that is left is a procession of dog and human foot prints over the nesting mounds is really heartbreaking."
Ms Bedford's message is clear: "Dogs can’t read signs … but people can and I urge everyone to help protect these threatened birds by keeping clear of signposted areas."
To enhance our knowledge of coastal birds, each year many coastal birds are banded by the Victorian Wader Study Group with assistance of the Little Tern Taskforce Inc..
Banding involves placing small plastic and metal bands on the birds' legs so that they can be distinguished when seen in the field. These bands do not hinder the bird's ability to fly or forage.
Records from banded Little Terns have shown movement between East Gippsland and Japan and life spans that exceed 16 years, which is quite amazing for a bird no bigger than a budgie. To further the knowledge on Little Terns, some of the chicks that recently hatched have already been banded.
"We managed to band 31 of the 35 chicks from the Lake Tyers colony," Richard Owen, President of the Little Tern Taskforce and qualified bird bander said.
The team plans to revisit the site in the next few days to band chicks that were missed on the first session and those that have recently hatched.
The Little Tern Taskforce Inc. is a community group that works in conjunction with DSE and Parks Victoria in protecting the breeding colonies of threatened coastal birds. This season the group was able to fund two summer scholarship for students studying environmental sciences at Deakin and Charles Sturt University. This has been extremely successful in protecting the threatened birds and also in providing invaluable experience to students studying environmental science. However, funds are hard to come by and every little bit helps. You can help by supporting the Little Tern Taskforce Inc. by becoming a member or making a donation.
If you would like to know more about the Little Tern Taskforce Inc. or to report a disturbance to a colony please phone the Department of Sustainabilty and Environment 51520400.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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Dr Patrick Kinsella, East Gippsland Australia Day Ambassador, has impacted healthcare, education, sport, media, and community life for over 40 years; residents are invited to celebrate at 21 January awards. - Omeo Mountain Bike Park officially opens, delivering world-class trails, boosting tourism, community, and local economy
Omeo’s 114-kilometre, $10 million mountain bike park has officially opened, offering world-class trails, boosting tourism, energising local businesses, and celebrating years of community vision, planning, and collaboration. - Thurra river bridge finally reopens after five-year delay, fueling local frustration and renewed criticism
The Thurra River Bridge has reopened after five and a half years, prompting relief and anger, with MP Tim Bull criticising prolonged delays, economic impacts, and unfinished fire recovery projects across East Gippsland. - Latrobe City events drive tourism, economic growth and community engagement across the region
Latrobe City hosted major sporting and cultural events in 2024 - 25, attracting over 27,000 attendees and generating $23.5 million in economic impact, reinforcing the region's growing reputation as an events hub. - East Gippsland opens nominations for 2026 Australia Day Awards recognising outstanding community contributions and achievements
East Gippsland Shire Council invites nominations for the 2026 Australia Day Awards, recognising individuals, groups, and events for outstanding community contributions in volunteering, sport, arts, environment, and service. - East Gippsland Rail Trail upgraded and officially opened, boosting tourism, and local economy across the 96km trail
The final 11.46 km of the East Gippsland Rail Trail is complete, fully resurfaced, and open, boosting tourism, supporting local businesses, and providing a high-quality recreational asset for the community. - Darren Chester urges Gippsland not-for-profits to send EOIs and apply for 2025-26 Volunteer Grants supporting local community volunteers
Federal Member Darren Chester urges Gippsland not-for-profits to submit EOIs for 2025-26 Volunteer Grants, offering $1,000-$5,000 to support volunteers, strengthen community connections, and remove barriers to participation. - Yarram - Explore Heesco Town murals, vibrant street art, lush rainforests, coastal walks, local cuisine, and Gippsland heritage
Yarram, a charming Gippsland town, features over 25 Heesco murals, lush rainforests, coastal walks, local seafood, wineries, heritage sites, and the Great Southern Rail Trail. - Buchan Recreation Reserve redevelopment delivers modern pavilion, change rooms and multi-purpose community hub for future generations
Buchan Recreation Reserve redevelopment delivers modern community pavilion and sports facilities, ensuring a safe, multi-purpose hub for generations, supported by local, state and federal government investment. - East Gippsland Council launches VendorPanel for streamlined, transparent procurement and supports local businesses with information sessions
From December 2025, East Gippsland Council will use VendorPanel for streamlined procurement, offering online registration, fair opportunities, and information sessions to help local businesses navigate the platform effectively. - Meet with South Gippsland Mayor Hersey to discuss ideas or issues that matter to you and your community and other council updates
South Gippsland Shire Council is offering multiple opportunities for community engagement, upcoming events, free workshops, grants, vaccination sessions, and council services throughout Summer 2026 for residents and local businesses. - Latrobe Regional Gallery Mainstreet Cafe fosters skill development, employment, and community engagement for all abilities
Latrobe Regional Gallery welcomes Mainstreet Cafe, an all-abilities social enterprise providing inclusive hospitality training, employment opportunities, and community engagement, fostering skills development and pathways for people of all abilities. - Omeo Justice Precinct draft masterplan unveiled to preserve heritage, enhance community use, and boost economy
Omeo Mountain Bike Park opens December with over 100km of world-class trails, boosting tourism, jobs, and community pride. Final touches, shuttles, and events promise an inclusive, adventure-filled destination. - Darren Chester delivers volunteer grant to support Traralgon RSL Bowls Group and boost junior participation
Darren Chester awarded a $1700 Volunteer Grant to Traralgon RSL Bowls Group, funding equipment to boost junior participation, support volunteers, and strengthen youth development as part of Gippsland's wider $63,000 program. - East Gippsland Council urges drivers to follow parking limits, protect access and support local businesses this festive season
East Gippsland drivers are urged to follow festive-season parking limits, respecting time restrictions, loading zones, and disabled bays to ensure town accessibility and support local businesses. - Independent Safety Assessment Contract awarded for Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool, ensuring community safety, and facility compliance
East Gippsland Council has awarded a contract for an independent Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool safety assessment, reviewing facility condition, risks, compliance, and required upgrades while the pool remains closed. - Wellington Shire Council invites open conversations on financial pressures impacting community services, roads, and facilities
Wellington Shire Council faces rising costs, rate caps, and funding pressures, yet remains committed to delivering essential services and urging government reform to better support regional communities into the future. - Victorian Health Department sets Gippsland priorities, access, workforce, safety, shared services, and mental health expansion
The Victorian Department of Health has set four Gippsland health priorities: access, workforce, safety, and shared services, while highlighting mental health needs and significant workforce investment at Warragul's regional health leaders' forum. - Darren Chester congratulates Infusa Distillery founders for showcasing Gippsland's produce, driving growth in local food and beverage industry
Darren Chester congratulated Infusa Distillery founders Stu and Jo Taylor for their award-winning spirits, local partnerships, and contribution to Gippsland's food and beverage industry, praising their innovation, growth, and regional pride. - 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.
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