My Account
Rare dotterels are making themselves ever more at home at Big Manly beach, remaining there after the nesting season is over, and making new nests this season.
A team of devoted volunteer Dotterel Minders, supported by Jenny Hanwell of Forest and Bird, have been keeping a close eye on them.
Experienced minder Derek Kelsey says the pair (known as EDS) that successfully raised and fledged two chicks at the east end of the beach last season, and the pair named CX (that lost all their chicks) have been resident all winter.
Throughout the winter months as many as 12 birds were seen along the beach at the same time – including the two resident pairs and three other unmarked pairs – so the minders could be in for a busy summer.
At one stage, it was thought that the male bird of the CX pair had lost a leg, however close scrutiny revealed that the leg was injured but intact. Volunteers have now nicknamed him ‘Limpy’ but he seems to have fully recovered and is taking an active part in sitting on the three eggs that the pair has in a nest on private land at the west end of the beach.
“The property is surrounded by a fence big enough to keep dogs away, so they are well protected at present,” Derek says. “We are not sure when the eggs were laid, so can only guess as to when they might hatch. We have our fingers crossed for them as they have not yet succeeded in raising any chicks to fledging stage.”
The other resident, EDS pair, are showing signs that they too will be nesting soon on private land, although the site is more exposed than the other nest. This pair have not laid eggs as yet.
The Dotterel Minders are already active and keeping watch on progress and have installed signs warning beach goers, especially dog walkers, that there are rare nesting birds on the beach.
More signs will be added soon.
Anyone interested in helping the group can call Derek, 021 032 6878.
