Save our hooded plover chicks

NATIONAL Bird Week is an ideal time to remind beachgoers to look out for hooded plovers nesting along Gippsland’s shorelines.

The threatened species are at risk of being scared off and their nests trampled on by beach users and wayward dogs.

The Conservation Regulator, Parks Victoria and Birdlife Australia joined forces for the second year running for Operation Save our Hoodies (SoHo), asking Victorians to take note of rules around local hooded plover nests and to give the birds plenty of space.

Hooded plovers lay their eggs in shallow sand scrapes from August through to March, and where possible, nesting sites are fenced off to alert the public and protect the tiny birds and their nests.

Conservation Regulator and Parks Victoria Authorised Officers are patrolling beaches in Phillip Island, Cape Paterson, Inverloch, and Waratah Bay to protect the threatened species, and Birdlife Australia volunteers also have a presence at beaches to raise awareness of how beach users can help the plight of beach-nesting birds.

The timing and locations of these patrols will be based on data provided by BirdLife Australia, which coordinates the monitoring of hooded plovers along Victoria’s coastline.

If an incubating adult bird is scared away from its nest by passers-by or dogs, its eggs can bake in the sun or become too cold in the cool weather, which can kill the developing chick.  

In 2021-22, as part of the inaugural Operation Save Our Hoodies (SoHo) Authorised Officers conducted more than 150 patrols along the coast, engaging with 900 people and issuing 44 infringement notices for various offences, including dogs off lead in National Parks.

Last breeding season BirdLife recorded 1003 hooded plover eggs along Victoria’s coastline. Almost 185 hatched and 66 chicks survived to become juveniles.

The Conservation Regulator investigates reports of dogs harassing hooded plovers.

Reports can be made to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000.