Successful breeding season for shorebirds thanks to shelter structures offering protection

A family of fairy terns found solace from some simple but innovative shelter structures during their nesting period. Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions has been working hard to protect vulnerable shorebird species such as fairy terns and red-capped plovers which nest on beaches along the Great Southern coast. A group of fairy terns, listed as vulnerable, nested at the mouth of the Broke Inlet near Walpole during December and January. Shorebirds often nest directly on the sand and are at risk of impact from vehicles and predators. However, because of wet conditions, the access track to the Broke Inlet camping area had to remain closed for longer than usual giving the chicks a best chance at survival. Local DBCA staff from the Frankland district installed small plywood structures for shelter and to help protect the chicks. These structures were simple but stable giving the birds some protection from the elements and feral predators. DBCA Frankland district marine park manager Huw Dilley said the shelters were a huge success. “All chicks have now fledged, the track has dried out and Broke Inlet and the Fisherman’s Track is now open to the public,” he said. Close by, a group of red-capped plovers had nested at the mouth of the Nornalup Inlet. Because of the risk of damage by vehicles, DBCA staff, with the assistance of Walpole local Gary Muir, marked the area off with signs and marker poles to protect the nests and vegetation. “The birds are doing well and the rehabilitation of vegetation continues,” Mr Dilley said. “In both cases, only a very small number of vehicles were recorded entering the closed areas.” “DBCA would like to thank national park visitors for their patience, help and understanding in ensuring a successful round of breeding for these birds.”