Hooded Plovers (aka ‘hoodies’) breed between September and March on our local beaches every year. With only 12 chicks surviving on the Surf Coast between 2010-2015 (6 of those 12 fledging in just one season alone), these precious birds need our support to help ensure their survival.
The Great Ocean Road Coast Committee (GORCC) works with the dedicated Friends of the Hooded Plovers (Surf Coast) volunteers and Birdlife Australia to protect the hoodies and ensure as many chicks as possible fledge (take flight).
This September 16 BirdLife Australia is celebrating the plight of the plover through the first ever Plover Appreciation Day.
The Day recognises all ground-nesting plovers including the vulnerable Hooded Plover that is often seen breeding on the Surf Coast.
The aim is to raise awareness of the plight of ground-nesting plovers across the world and spread awareness about how everyone can help save them.
Along the Surf Coast, humans and dogs pose are one of the biggest threats to the Hooded Plover’s survival. Unfortunately, Hoodies create nests on the beach during the busiest season on the coast, forcing them to share their breeding sites with thousands of beach-goers (and their dogs, vehicles, horses … ).
The breeding habits of the Hoodie mean they are in direct conflict with not only humans and dogs but introduced predators as well. To make matters worse for the Hoodie:
- They lay their eggs on beaches above the high tide level where people like to walk their dogs or lay out their towels.
- Any disturbance from people or animals can drive the adult birds away from their nests and chicks.
- The eggs are almost impossible to see, which makes them very easy to step on.
- The chicks are tiny, fragile and defenceless making them very vulnerable to threats.
It is important that all beachgoers keep their distance from hoodie breeding zones and ‘give them space’.
Not sure where the hoodies breed? Click here to find out.
There a four main ground-nesting plovers in the spotlight this Plover Appreciation Day – the Hooded Plover, Red-Capped Plover, Spur Winged Plover and Black Fronted Dotterel. To learn more about the different types of plovers in Australia click here.
How can you get involved?
To help raise awareness of the Hooded Plover’s struggle for survival, follow these easy 3 easy steps.
1. Like Birdlife on social media
 Hooded Plover birdlife_hoodie @birdlife_hoodie |
2. Download our Hoodie mask (either the wearable version or selfie stick version)
3. Upload a photo on social media using the mask to express what it means to be ‘vulnerable’
Make sure you use the hashtag: #vulnerablehoodies for your chance to win great prizes.
For more information on Hooded Plovers, head to the BirdLife Australia website or the MyHoodie website.
GORCC is running a local awareness #SaveTheHoodie campaign to encourage beachgoers on the Surf Coast to keep their dogs away from hoodie breeding zones and encourage everyone to ‘give them space’. For more information vist the ‘Save The Hoodie’ website.
Interested in getting involved? To volunteer contact BirdLife Australia at hoodedplover@birdlife.org.au.
Great Ocean Road Coast Committee Blog 