Plovers’ breeding season starts at Somerton Park

It’s that time of year when parts of the beach are signposted and roped off in a bid to protect a pair of tiny beach-nesting birds that are doing their bit to help their endangered species.

The spring breeding season for the Hooded Plovers has kicked off at Somerton Park, with signage and temporary fencing indicating the breeding zone.

Already, three eggs have been spotted in the beach nest—a shallow ditch in the sand—and if all goes well, the chicks are expected to hatch in early September.

Dog owners are urged to keep their dogs on a lead within 100 metres of the area so as not to scare away the birds from the nest. This could leave the eggs vulnerable to predators, including magpies, seagulls, and foxes.

When the chicks hatch, they’re only the size of a 50c coin or about 3cm tall.

They also need to source their own food from the water’s edge, which can be a dangerous task – especially if there are dogs roaming around unleashed.

It takes around five weeks for a chick to reach the fledgling stage, which means they’re capable of flight.

If you see a Hooded Plover on the beach, the best thing to do is to keep your distance.

Green Adelaide has other tips for beachgoers on how to play their part in protecting the beach-nesting birds, which are considered an endangered species.

• Keep your dog on a leash when at the beach – especially during spring and summer
• Only walk below the high tide mark during the nesting season
• Look out for signs and fences indicating there is a nest or chicks on the beach
• Move away quietly when you see a Hooded Plover
• Spread the word about the beach-nesting birds

There are reportedly less than 70 Hooded Plovers across Adelaide and the Fleurieu Peninsula and it is estimated that there are only 500 to 800 in the whole state.

Last season, two chicks successfully fledged from the Minda Dunes.