AUTHORITIES are encouraging beachgoers to be vigilant of the threatened shorebird; the hooded plover, as they begin nesting on sandy beaches and coastal dunes.
Hooded plovers, which are known to nest on the peninsula, are listed as a vulnerable species, with around 700 left in Victoria. The native birds lay eggs in shallow sand scrapes and raise their chicks on beaches between August and March.
As part of National Bird Week (October 18-24), the Conservation Regulator, Parks Victoria, and BirdLife Australia have launched Operation Save our Hoodies (SoHo) to educate people to keep well clear of nests, walk along the waterline, and keep dogs on a leash where signposted. The species faces significant threats from people trampling nests or scaring adult birds away from their nests, leaving eggs vulnerable to the weather and predators – and from dogs chasing, catching or killing vulnerable chicks, authorities say.
A Conservation Regulator spokesperson said the Mornington Peninsula, particularly the back beaches, is an important area for the beach-nesting hooded plover during their breeding season. “Local beachgoers should give these vulnerable birds plenty of space and avoid disturbing them while they breed,” the spokesperson said.
“Conservation Regulator authorised officers are patrolling beaches in the area between now and April to help educate beachgoers and enforce rules around hooded plover nesting sites. “Dog owners must follow local beach regulations, particularly areas where dogs are prohibited, and always keep pets on-lead or under their control, as they face fines up to $4,939 if their dog attacks wildlife.”
Hooded plovers are protected under the Wildlife Act. Anyone found to disturb, injure or destroy them; damage their habitat; or interfere with warning signage, face penalties between $3,951 and $47,421. Last breeding season authorities issued 32 fines – down from 83 in 2022-23 –for offences including disturbing birds and dog owners not complying with rules near hooded plover habitats.
This year, Operation SoHo has received a funding boost through the federal Saving Native Species Program which will see more officer ground presence, education and infrastructure. Friends of the Hooded Plover Mornington Peninsula volunteer group is one of many groups spread across Victoria’s coast, each looking after a patch where the plovers are known to nest. Any destruction of habitat or harassment of hooded plovers should be reported to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000.
First published in the Mornington News – 29 October 2024