Hi, everyone, here’s an important update from our friends at the Omaha Shorebird Protection Trust…
Ōmaha’s Northern NZ dotterels and variable oystercatchers are back – defending their breeding territories and preparing to lay eggs in their cleverly camouflaged ‘scrapes’ on the beach.
Wonderful volunteers are preparing the Ōmaha Shorebird Sanctuary by taping off nesting areas, clearing rubbish, and controlling rats, mustelids, and mice.
These birds are iconic to this place and much loved by the community. But they can’t safely raise their chicks without community care. We all have a part to play:
- Stay out of taped nesting areas and walk below the high tide line if you can
- No dogs are allowed in the Sanctuary
- Keep Ōmaha cats inside at night — that’s when most hunting happens in the Sanctuary
Together, we can give these precious birds the best chance to safely raise the next generation of fluffy chicks until they fledge.
Learn more and get involved at: omahashorebirds.co.nz
The photo below is of a male dotterel in breeding plumage and is courtesy of Dr Marie Ward.
