Seasonal warning on endangered Hooded plovers on Augusta-Margaret River shire beaches

It’s that time of year again when beachgoers were asked to take special care to help protect the region’s endangered Hooded plovers. The beach-nesting birds unfortunately take up their roosts towards the upper stretch of some of the region’s most popular beaches, with visitors often trekking through nests difficult to distinguish from seaweed. The Shire of Augusta-Margaret River has taken a strong stance to protect the shire’s de facto spirit animal, including shaking up its rules around beach dog exercise areas to give the plovers a better chance during breeding season. A Nature Conservation Margaret River spokesperson told the Times signs on local beaches drew attention to key plover breeding areas. “With spring well underway, the newly-arrived red-capped plover chicks are growing strong at Prevelly,” he said. “If you’re heading to the beach and see one of the plover breeding area signs, please keep your distance and take extra care. “Plovers nest in the sand and hatch in about four weeks. The tiny flightless chicks are hard to see and need undisturbed space on the beach to feed.” Shire president Paula Cristoffanini noted a new, pending review of the latest dog exercise areas sought to protect the plover. “The Shire of Augusta-Margaret River proactively supports education and environmental action in our community to support the vulnerable Hooded plovers,” she said. “The Shire funded the ‘hoodie shelters’ that the kids at Margaret River Primary School made, plus part funded the program that delivered them, Our Patch. “The Shire also part-funded Hooded plover-specific signage with volunteers and staff installing them in times of nesting/chicks.” The Shire has also made plover protection a component for event applications, which included rerouting sections of the Margaret River Ultra Marathon.