As spring brings warmer days, it also welcomes the hooded and red-capped plovers back to nest along South Australia’s shores, including the Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island.

These small, resilient shorebirds rely on sandy beaches, where their camouflaged nests are unfortunately highly vulnerable to human and pet activity. Their annual nesting sites, which are also popular recreation areas, face many threats, from accidental trampling to predator interference.

Plovers’ quiet resilience is a reminder of nature’s delicate balance. They scrape simple nests into the sand, blending seamlessly with the shoreline. The beauty of their camouflage is also their biggest risk, as many beachgoers may unknowingly walk near nests.

Hooded plovers are especially at risk, with their eastern subspecies listed as Vulnerable under Australia’s EPBC Act since 2014 due to declining population numbers. In 2022, BirdLife Australia’s Hooded Plover Biennial Count highlighted this need for protection, revealing that only about 1,664 hooded plovers were counted across Australia, a number representing nearly half of the global population for this species.

To help protect these endangered shorebirds, the local community, landscape boards, and volunteers work year-round, marking off nesting areas and monitoring behaviours. Many beaches, such as those on the Fleurieu Peninsula, have sections fenced off and display signs encouraging visitors to leash their dogs and walk close to the water’s edge.

By following these small steps and respecting protected nesting zones, beachgoers can support plover chicks’ chances of survival. If you spot hooded plovers or their nests, moving away quietly and respecting the marked-off areas makes a significant difference.

Local initiatives like BirdLife Australia’s National Beach-nesting Bird Program, supported by regional councils and dedicated volunteers, play a crucial role in the survival of plovers. Every two years, BirdLife Australia coordinates a large-scale survey across southern Australia, including the Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island coastlines, to monitor hooded plover populations.

Volunteers on these counts gather essential data, helping conservationists track trends and adjust protection strategies accordingly. The 2024 count, scheduled for mid-November, will once again provide insights into population trends and threats, guiding future efforts to protect these birds.

This year, BirdLife Australia has chosen 'books and storytelling' as the theme for celebrating plovers, using stories to connect people with conservation efforts. You can stay updated on plover conservation news, volunteer opportunities, and tips on helping protect nesting areas by following BirdLife Australia on social media or visiting their website.

For more information or to get involved, check BirdLife Australia’s resources on beach-nesting birds.