Spring has sprung and shorebirds are starting to nest and breed on Tasmanian beaches.
Minister for Parks, Roger Jaensch, said with Spring upon us it was a timely reminder for people to keep an eye out for fauna around our beaches.
“Tasmania’s coastlines and beaches aren’t only a place for recreation, they are also habitat for a range of birds that can only live, breed, feed and survive on beaches,” Minister Jaensch said.
Breeding shorebirds and their eggs can be hard to spot, being camouflaged on dry sand. Eggs are laid in shallow nests called scrapes and newly hatched chicks are unable to fly for up to a month, until they grow their flight feathers.
With breeding season underway, beach goers are asked to do all they can to look after our shorebirds by following some simple practices to protect habitat, such as:
- walking on wet sand where you can;
- following all signage in dog walking areas, as well as keeping dogs away from dry sand areas; and
- avoiding taking vehicles onto beaches to minimise nest disturbance.
“The Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) has undertaken a range of education blitzes in recent years on our beaches and will once again be collaborating with local councils and volunteer groups to raise awareness and support local communities to protect sensitive areas,” Minister Jaensch said.
“Beach goers can check the PWS and local council websites for information on areas to exercise dogs, what limits and penalties may apply, and observe shorebird signage at known nesting sites.
“On September 16 we also celebrate all things plover on Plover Appreciation Day. Plovers are a shorebird that live on beaches, lake shores, wetlands, and grasslands, and sadly, some species are now threatened.
“Several plovers already enroute are migratory, non-breeding visitors to our shores, travelling thousands of kilometres to feed and rest along our coastlines. As well as our resident plover species (Hooded Plovers and Red-capped Plovers), lapwings and dotterels are also members of the plover family.
“Humans can have a major impact on the survival of plovers, their eggs and their chicks, which is why it’s important that we raise awareness and understanding about sharing spaces with them.”
