Save our shorebirds and stay off the dunes please!
Published on 24 October 2024
With the shorebird breeding season well underway, beach goers are asked to stay off the sand dunes and leave nesting birds alone.
Byron Shire Council, along with Marine Parks, National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Byron Bird Buddies are working together to protect endangered (and critically endangered) shorebird species who have taken up residence along the Byron coastline.
“We were all so thrilled to see a pair of critically endangered Beach stone-curlews nesting in the dunes on Clarkes Beach as there are only 13 breeding pairs in NSW,” Chloe Dowsett, Coast and Biodiversity Coordinator, said.
“Their nests are just a small area of scraped sand and we have fenced the area off and put signage up warning people to stay away.
“It’s so important these birds are not disturbed because they only lay one egg and the chick is cared for by both parents for seven to 12 months.
“We are hoping people will do the right thing and play their part in helping these special birds expand their family,” Ms Dowsett said.
On other beaches Spotted Pardalotes and Rainbow Bee-eaters have been sighted nesting in the dunes with the Byron Bird Buddies rescuing a group of baby Bee-eaters as the area surrounding their nest was being damaged by people trampling and climbing on the exposed dune.
“All of these precious birds are easily disturbed by walkers, joggers and especially dogs so we are asking people to be aware and take extra care when they are on the beach,” Ms Dowsett said.
To help shorebirds people should:
- Keep to the intertidal zone near the water’s edge.
- Stay off dunes and especially away from fenced areas that are protecting nest sites.
- Exercise dogs only in designated dog areas.
For media enquiries call the Media and Comms team on 02 6626 7320.