THE NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and Birdlife Australia
Hooded plovers are small, black-headed birds with white
bellies, a white stripe across the backs of their necks, and pale brown backs
and wings.
They are seen on popular and remote beaches between Jervis Bay
NPWS shorebird recovery coordinator for the Far South
Coast
“We’re tracking hooded plovers because while 10 to 15
chicks usually fledge from this region each year, the resident population of
breeding adults has not significantly increased from about 50 individuals,” Dr
Harris said.
“If you see a banded hooded plover, please note the location
and letter and number on its tag, and call the statewide NPWS number on 1300
361 967 or one of our local offices at Merimbula, Narooma or Ulladulla.”
Dr Harris said studies using leg bands and identification
flags had improved understanding of other shorebirds in the region, and the
public had responded enthusiastically in the past.
“Through banding and tracking projects along the coast the
public helped us follow a little tern for 17 years and also taught us that pied
oystercatchers travel hundreds of kilometres,” she said.
“We don’t know if the hooded plovers we see each year are
the same individuals, or if they move around more than we think, but returning
here to breed is a vital part of species recovery and we appreciate everyone’s
help in tracking their movements.”
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