As spring blooms across Tasmania, shorebirds flock to our beaches to nest and breed.
Minister for Parks and Environment, Nick Duigan, said it was important for beachgoers to remain vigilant and mindful of the bird species that rely on our coastal areas for survival.
"Tasmania's coastlines aren't only places for recreation, they are vital habitats in which many species of shorebirds nest, breed, and raise their young," Minister Duigan said.
"Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service works with local councils and community groups every year to set up fencing to help protect shorebird breeding grounds.
"We ask that beachgoers take extra care during this critical stage of the shorebird lifecycle and help protect these special birds for generations to come."
Shorebird nesting season typically runs from October through to March each year. Breeding shorebirds and their eggs are vulnerable due to appearing 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, making it easy for them to be disturbed or harmed.
Beachgoers can help look after shorebird habitat by following a few simple steps:
The most common shorebird species found on Tasmanian beaches include the hooded plover, red capped plover, seagull, Pacific gull, kelp gull, pied oystercatcher and sooty oystercatcher.
Our native wildlife is part of what makes Tasmania the best place to live and raise a family, which is what our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future is all about.
