Eggs have been taken from a critically endangered shorebird's nest on the South Coast.
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The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has expressed concern after the eggs were removed from a critically endangered shorebird nest on Inyadda Beach earlier this month.
Hooded Plovers and other endangered shorebirds are attempting to breed all along the NSW coast at present. The eggs were taken from Inyadda Beach, between Sussex Inlet and Mollymook.
A local shorebird recovery program volunteer noticed that eggs sighted that morning had gone missing by 3pm.
Shorebird Recovery Coordinator Jodie Dunn visited the site and found footprints around the nest.
“The local community at Manyana and Bendalong are longstanding supporters of the shorebird recovery program and we are all very disappointed,” Ms Dunn said.
“This was the fourth nesting attempt this season by the Inyadda Beach Hooded Plover pair.
“The nest was signposted, fenced and protected inside a specially constructed nest cage to keep predators away from the eggs.
“Previous nests made by this pair had been uncaged and were preyed upon by ravens and foxes.
“Local shorebird volunteers put a lot of effort into protecting these eggs and we had high hopes after successfully caging the nest.
“We appreciate all help the community can give us in protecting endangered shorebirds.”
The Hooded Plover is critically endangered with fewer than 70 birds remaining in NSW. Harming a threatened species carries a fine of up to $220,000 and up to two years' imprisonment.
Hoodies of the South Coast are part of a targeted Shorebird Recovery Program, a cooperative conservation project between NPWS and local volunteers, communities and councils. Programs like this are an example of the Office of Environment and Heritage empowering the community to help protect local environments.
More than 100 dedicated volunteers spend thousands of hours each summer nesting season protecting shorebird eggs and chicks on the South Coast’s beaches.