As shorebirds return to South Coast beaches for the spring breeding season, locals and holiday-makers are being urged to 'share the shore' and help protect threatened species.
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service South Coast Shorebird Recovery Program is celebrating its 25th year of protecting endangered birds, and is asking beachgoers from Wollongong to Eden to be on the lookout and report sightings of shorebird nests.
Minns Labor Government MPs from along the south coast are teaming up to congratulate national parks staff and volunteers on the program's Silver Anniversary of protecting generations of endangered shorebirds.
Pied Oystercatchers, Little Terns and Hooded Plovers breed on south coast beaches from August each year, yet their nests are constantly at risk of disturbance, inundation and predation.
Nearly 150 volunteers are preparing for another season on our shores where they will spend countless hours monitoring feathered soon-to-be parents, nests and chicks. They will set up fences, signs and exclusion zones to help keep the birds safe from threats.
Among the volunteers is Pambula's Peter Collins, who has spent 25 years monitoring the local Little Tern population, seeing the distinctive long-beaked bird return in their hundreds year after year.
A key part of the volunteer's role is to educate beachgoers about the presence of these birds, particularly as the chicks are born with well-camouflaged sandy-coloured feathers and are often no bigger than a golf ball.
Everyone can help protect these species by following these five key steps:
- Read and respect signage - temporary fences and signs protect nests so tread carefully.
- Keep your dog on a leash - shorebirds will recognise your dog as a predator and may abandon their nest in fright.
- Walk on the wet sand - stay on the wet sand to avoid nesting birds which typically nest in the dry sand areas close to dunes.
- Take fishing lines and rubbish with you - this prevents birds and other wildlife from ingesting rubbish or becoming tangled.
- Give the birds space - we need to share the shore.
To report sightings of shorebird nests, contact your local national parks office or call the National Parks Contact Centre on 1300 072 757 (13 000 PARKS).
For more information about the South Coast Shorebird Recovery Program and identifying birds, visit: www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/animals-and-plants/threatened-species/saving-our-species-program/resources/share-the-shore
Quote attributable to long-term volunteer with the Shorebird Recovery Program, Peter Collins:
"Being involved in this conservation project is the most rewarding thing I do with my time and knowing I'm helping to fight the extinction crisis is very meaningful. There isn't any better food for your spirit than that.
"Each season I check the temporary site fencing, count Little Terns and other birds at their nesting sites, and note things like fox and dog prints near the colony."
Quote attributable to Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe:
"Congratulations to all the national parks staff and volunteers on achieving this milestone for one of our most successful volunteer-run conservation projects. Some of these shorebirds travel hundreds, if not thousands of kilometres to nest on our shores each year and it's wonderful to know they are greeted so warmly and protected by the community."
Quote attributable to Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast, Ryan Park:
"By safeguarding shorebird nests, we're also protecting the natural beauty that makes the South Coast so special. For the many people heading to the Illawarra or South Coast these school holidays, and those lucky enough to call our region home, please remember to 'share the shore'."
Quote attributable to Wollongong MP, Minister Paul Scully:
"The long-running success of this local conservation program is an absolute credit to the volunteers in Wollongong and along the South Coast who dedicate countless hours during the peak holiday season to protecting these endangered species."
Quote attributable to Shellharbour MP, Anna Watson:
"We are truly lucky that Little Terns return to our beaches every summer and, in welcoming them back, all beachgoers are urged to take care around nesting sites, leash their dogs and share the shore responsibly."
Quote attributable to Member Elect for Kiama, Katelin McInerney:
"It's exciting to hear Pied Oystercatchers have been sighted at Minnamurra Spit this spring, which shows we're providing safe and suitable habitat for these endangered species. It only takes a small action - like walking on the wet sand or taking your rubbish home - to make a huge difference to the survival of these birds."
Quote attributable to South Coast MP, Liza Butler:
"Grassroots conservation programs are vital to protecting our beaches and the incredible shorebirds that rely on them. Everyone can play a part by keeping dogs away from nesting areas, respecting signs, and giving the birds space. Thanks to the efforts of local volunteers and community groups, the South Coast remains a safe haven for these remarkable birds."
Quote attributable to Bega MP, Dr Michael Holland:
"For 25 years, the South Coast Shorebird Recovery Program has shown what can be achieved when passionate volunteers and staff work together to protect our unique, pristine environment. Their tireless efforts have helped safeguard generations of threatened shorebirds, and I thank the Bega community, whose dedication gives these birds a real chance to not only survive but thrive."
