A pair of critically endangered beach stone-curlews are nesting in the dunes on Clarkes Beach, they are one of only 13 breeding pairs in NSW.
Beachgoers are asked to stay off the sand dunes and leave nesting birds alone as their nests are just a small area of scraped sand.
‘It’s so important these birds are not disturbed because they only lay one egg and the chick is cared for by both parents for seven to 12 months,’ said Chloe Dowsett, Coast and Biodiversity Coordinator.
‘We are hoping people will do the right thing and play their part in helping these special birds expand their family.’
On other beaches spotted pardalotes and rainbow bee-eaters have been sighted nesting in the dunes with the Byron Bird Buddies rescuing a group of baby bee-eaters as the area surrounding their nest was being damaged by people trampling and climbing on the exposed dune.
‘All of these precious birds are easily disturbed by walkers, joggers and especially dogs so we are asking people to be aware and take extra care when they are on the beach,’ Ms Dowsett said.
4WDs, unrestrained dogs, uncaring or ignorant humans, all these factors are having a detrimental effect on our shorebirds. Where nesting sites are observed, exclusion zones should be established and enforced
I heard one calling out last week , night time, here in angels beach.
Those pesky Curlews, they need to know their place. Sand dunes are for humans to tear down, drive all over, to do with anything we want to do.