Share our beaches this summer

The Department of Conservation (DOC) and Gisborne District Council are reminding the public to be careful near New Zealand dotterel and Banded dotterel nesting sites on the East Coast this summer.

DOC’s Biodiversity Ranger Jamie Quirk says most of the dotterel nesting sites in this region are in coastal areas, around rivers and streambeds from Hicks Bay to Te Wherowhero.

“As more people are outdoors this increases the chance of disturbances at these nesting sites from gravel extraction, visitors, users of off-road vehicles and dogs.”

“We want people to avoid these nesting sites where possible” says Mr Quirk.

“NZ dotterel chicks are quickly active and find their own food.” Photo: Mithuna Sothieson.

Dotterel will nest anywhere from high tide mark to the base of dunes or riverbeds. They lay two or three eggs in nests which are well camouflaged therefore easily crushed by unsuspecting beach users.

You can help in the protection of dotterel by keeping:
• below the high tide mark.
• noise to a minimum and not getting too close.
• to marked tracks and paths wherever possible.
• dogs on a leash.
• vehicles off beaches and sandspits.

Mr Quirk says these are small and effective measures to give these birds a fighting chance this breeding season. “DOC and the Gisborne District Council are working together in the recovery and long-term conservation of the dotterel.”

Dotterel pamphlets have been distributed to freedom campers, information centres and landowners.

For further information on how you can help protect the dotterel visit: http://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/nz-dotterel-tuturiwhatu/

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