Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service has teamed up with local councils and volunteer groups again this year to raise awareness of shorebird breeding season.
Tasmania’s beaches are home to some of the most remarkable birds, many of which are declining in numbers and are now threatened species. We can all play a role in helping to protect their habitat and ensure their survival.
Shorebird nesting season runs from around September to March and it is important to avoid disturbing the birds as they forage and breed during this critical time of their life cycle.
Breeding shorebirds lay well camouflaged eggs on dry sand in shallow nests called scapes. Newly hatched chicks are unable to fly for up to a month until they grow their flight feathers.
Hooded Plover
Photo: EJ WOEHLER
Beachgoers can help protect this habitat by following some simple practices:
• Walking only on the wet sand away from breeding areas
• Being mindful about bringing dogs onto beaches, following all signage in dog walking areas and keeping dogs away from dry sand areas
• Avoiding taking vehicles onto beaches to minimise nest disturbance
Beach goers are reminded to check the PWS and local council websites for information on areas to exercise dogs and what limits and penalties may apply.
Find out more about the distribution of shorebirds around Tasmania on the Shorebird and Seabird LISTmap layer which divides the foreshore of Tasmania’s coastline into “traffic light colours” – red, orange, and green. These colours indicate the risk/vulnerability of the habitat to human-related disturbance and identify the level of care and consideration that is recommended.
The layer was developed collaboratively with Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania staff working with Birdlife Tasmania and NRM South.
For more information on Tasmania's shorebirds visit BirdLife Tasmania or Parks and Wildlife Service’s shorebirds web page.