This is most likely the last attempt at successfully breeding Hooded Plover chicks at St Andrews this summer. There are currently two healthy chicks running about on the beach just wanting to grow into adults, (see below for the location).

St Andrews has already been successful this year closer to the sewerage outfall and in previous years it has also been successful.
The general public at St Andrews are more sympathetic to Hooded Plovers than the people at Heyfields and Parks Victoria are putting in, if only to help this seasons results not being a total disaster.

So far this summer, more than 50 nesting attempts in the Mornington Peninsula National Park has resulted in 3 chicks fledging. A shameful result for Parks Victoria and the DSE but the public still have time to contribute. Come on down to St Andrews with your Binoculars and protect these chicks, (please).

A very young chick has been sighted East of the Moana Court entrance late this week. See map below.

Moana Court is off located off Paradise Drive St Andrews.

As has been the case often this summer, no wardens are required this weekend due to there being no chicks. Unfortunately, I am also unable to provide the usual feedback from Parks Victoria as they have not provided an updated report.

However, to give you something positive to read, below is an update from Phillip Island. They have had a very good season.

“On Phillip Island we have had the best start to a breeding season since at least 1992-93 with five Hooded Plover chicks fledged well before Christmas (3 from Silverleaves and 2 from Elizabeth Cove near Grossard Point).  The pair at Silverleaves is on their way to fledging 4 chicks for the season.

Currently have eight chicks of various ages at beaches across the island (1 at Magiclands and Silverleaves, 2 at Red Rocks, Woolshed Bight, and Ventnor west).

There have been 35 nests recorded, 80 eggs, 18 chicks, there are currently 4 nests with eggs (Forrest Caves, Farm Beach, Anzac west, and Flynns Reef).

We have been working closely with the Bass Coast Shire rangers and the local community at the nest sites at Grossard Point, Red Rocks and at Silverleaves. At Red Rocks Hooded Plover Watch volunteers looked after 2 chicks almost round the clock for the four days of the Australia Day weekend. This was a brilliant effort as the chicks survived the hot weather and crowds; the last time hoodies nested in this area was 21 years ago.”

courtesy Jon Fallow (well done Jon)

No wardening this weekend.

Below is the latest report from Parks Victoria on the status of nests etc on the Mornington Peninsula.

I like movies. One of my favourites is Risky Business. There is a scene where Tom Cruise, his friend (Miles) and a sex worker are in a Porsche and the sex worker says to Miles: ” you like excitement Miles”

This beach is a site for those who like excitement. A ranger has been assaulted on this beach and over the last 3 days 2 banners have been stolen, most likely from dog owners who use the beach and have been fined by PV or getting told to keep their dog on a lead.

Nevertheless, there is a little Hooded Plover chick alive on this beach and it’s nearly one week old.

There will be no warden box, no reception for mobile phones and very aggressive March flies, not to mention people who hate week old Hooded Plover chicks and hate people who are conservationist. This beach has produced two fledglings in 20 years. It is tough.

I will be on the beach up to 9 am or so Sat and Sunday. Directions below.

No new chicks this weekend on the Mornington Peninsula.

There aren’t any new chicks to warden for the weekend of the 7th & 8th Jan but below is a general update provided by Parks Victoria.

It demonstrates there could be a number of chicks in the future, if we are lucky.

The FoHp together with Birds Australia are holding two workshops/training days on the Mornington Peninsula.

The  day begins at 10am with an indoor presentation about the life and behaviours of the Hooded Plover, followed by a beach visit.

We will try to visit a beach with chicks, but that’s not always possible.
Each workshop lasts approximately 2 two hours.

This workshop is for all those interested in Hooded Plovers – beginners and experienced bird watchers.
There is always something to learn from the ‘Beach Nesting Team’.
It is also important to update skills, hear about new ideas and what has been happening on the Peninsula.

This year we have had an Honours student placing cameras at nest sites, her findings are very interesting. 

I encourage all members and friends to come.

Dates are:

St Andrews Beach

 Date : Tuesday 10th January

Time : 10am
 Location: St Andrews Recreation Hall, 99 Bass Meadows BLVD ( Melways Ref 251 K6)

Sorrento
 
Date: Wednesday 11th January

Time: 10am
 Location: Sorrento-Portsea RSL, SB – 1-3 Hurley St. Sorrento.

The outdoor presentation means we need to be prepared for any weather ( sunscreen/ wet weather gear)
Bring binoculars if you have them, we will have some to share.

RSVP – hploversmornpen@gmail.com
              

Diane Lewis 0419320205

Unfortunately, the Portsea chicks died. Not many chicks have survived past a week this season on the Mornington Peninsula

There are 2 Hooded Plover chicks at Portsea Back Beach, East of the Surf Life Saving club. Last year one chick survived for nearly 20 days until it was taken by a Kestrel. However, having wardens can help with public education. The longer the chicks last the more people see them and hopefully, better understand sharing a beach rather than dominating it.

The location of the chicks is pretty easy. Drive into the entrance of the park, turn left, keep on that road, (not right) until you end up in the car park where the toilet is located.

Go down the steps until you get on the beach and turn left. The chicks are very close to the steps to the beach.

All being well the warden box will be there for you. Please sign the sheet and provide comments.