As spring brings warmer weather and longer days to Tasmania, beachgoers are being reminded to exercise caution during shorebird nesting season.
Parks and Environment Minister Nick Duigan says it’s crucial to be mindful of the bird species that rely on the state’s coastal areas for survival.
“Tasmania’s coastlines aren’t only places for recreation, they are vital habitats in which many species of shorebirds nest, breed and raise their young,” he said.
“We ask that beachgoers take extra care during this critical stage of the shorebird lifecycle and help protect these special birds for generations to come.”
Shorebird nesting season typically runs from October through to March each year.
Their eggs and chicks are particularly susceptible to disturbance and harm as they are often camouflaged in the sand.
“Eggs are laid in shallow nests called scrapes and newly hatched chicks are unable to fly for up to a month, until they grow their flight feathers, making it easy for them to be disturbed or harmed,” Duigan said.
Beachgoers can help protect shorebirds by only walking on wet sand below the high tide mark, keeping distance from nesting birds and walking dogs on a lead in approved areas away from known nests.
Common shorebird species found on Tasmanian beaches include the hooded plover, red-capped plover, various gull species and oystercatchers.
