Six newly hatched Little Terns are helping boost the population of their endangered species, following a successful and unexpected breeding season at Blacksmiths Beach this summer.
Lake Macquarie City Council Manager Environmental Systems Brendan Callander said the colony, which laid 22 eggs, was the second highest nesting effort recorded in Lake Macquarie.
"The Blacksmiths Beach Little Tern colony stands as a major conservation success for Lake Macquarie," he said.
The Little Tern (Sternula albifrons), listed as Endangered in NSW and Vulnerable nationally, is one of the region's rarest summer-breeding seabirds, with only around 500 breeding pairs remaining statewide.
The birds suddenly fled their previously successful colony at Elizabeth Island and relocated 3km east to a sand-patch on an informal 4WD track at Blacksmiths Beach in December.
The colony recorded 15 breeding pairs, up to nine chicks hatched with six fledglings successfully taking flight, and around 70 adult birds at peak counts in late January.
"The survival of these chicks shows what coordinated action can achieve and is proof that when the community respects exclusion zones and agencies act swiftly, endangered species can thrive," Mr Callandar said.
"It was a huge team effort. Everyone moved quickly - rangers, construction crews, our Natural Assets team, volunteers and partner organisations."
Within 72 hours, teams had installed exclusion fencing, signage, 16 chick shelters and commenced daily monitoring.
Efforts were supported by Belmont Wetlands State Park, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water's Saving Our Species team, Community Environment Network, BirdLife Australia, Hunter Bird Observers Club and specialist pest contractors.
All fledglings and adults migrated by 18 February 2026.
Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water's Saving Our Species Senior Team Leader Lucas Grenadier said Little Terns often return to successful nesting sites.
"The Blacksmiths Beach colony is a standout conservation success, demonstrating what can be achieved when all levels of government and the community work together for shared goals," he said.
"With continued conservation efforts we hope that Blacksmiths Beach may become a key breeding site for years to come," he said.
Early-season monitoring will be underway ahead of the next breeding season.
