Breeding season has begun for our region's beach nesting birds and protection measures are in place to give them the best chance of survival during this vulnerable period.
The endangered Hooded Plover is a small black, white and brownish-grey bird which nests on Bellarine surf beaches at Breamlea, Thirteenth Beach, Ocean Grove, Collendina and Point Lonsdale between August and April each year.
The Red-capped Plover is another beach nesting bird which nests on our beaches at Thirteenth Beach, Breamlea estuary and Ramblers Road Foreshore, Portarlington.
An adult pair of Hooded Plovers will lay up to three eggs in scrapes in the sand and incubate them for four weeks until they hatch. The hatched chicks then forage for their own food along the shoreline.
Hooded Plover nests and chicks, like other beach nesting birds, are very vulnerable and few live long enough to fledge due to the numerous threats they face. Hooded Plovers are also at risk of becoming locally extinct as there are only 12 breeding pairs on the Bellarine.
To give our beach nesting birds the best chance of survival, the City, in partnership with coastal land managers and community groups such as Friends of the Hooded Plover Bellarine, takes measures to protect their breeding spots by installing signs, temporary barriers and wooden teepees to keep chicks safe, and by enforcing dog regulations.
Seasonal dog regulations on Bellarine beaches may change to 'no dogs' or 'dogs must be on leash' during the summer months, and City of Greater Geelong officers regularly patrol these beaches.
Beachgoers can help preserve our beach nesting birds by:
- walking along the water's edge
- adhering to Hooded Plover nesting signs
- giving breeding pairs and their nests plenty of space
- checking and complying with dog regulation signs
- putting your dog on leash on dog friendly beaches when near signed or fenced breeding sites.
City of Greater Geelong Mayor Trent Sullivan
Beach nesting birds are some of the most threatened birds in the world.We are so lucky to have stunning beaches to enjoy, and this is the time to be mindful of who else is using our beaches.
By staying away from signed nesting areas and following dog regulations, we can give these remarkable beach nesting birds the space they need to nest, feed and nurture their offspring.
Bellarine Ward Councillor Jim Mason
The community's actions can make a difference to the long-term survival of these endangered species.There are many factors that affect Hooded Plovers including unleashed dogs, people, predators, introduced plant species and changes in habitat.
Amazing community groups like the Friends of the Hooded Plover Bellarine work to protect breeding areas of our shorebirds. By following signage and adapting your behaviour on the few beaches where these birds nest, the community can help their preservation.
The City has a Hooded Plover Conservation Action Plan which sets out key targets and measure to help protect the Hooded Plover.
Hooded Plovers are an endangered species and are protected under the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 and the Federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
