10/09/2026
Hooded Plovers – Spring Beach
There is currently a nest at the northern (Triabunna) end of Spring Beach that has been fenced off by volunteers to protect the eggs. A second pair of birds is also being monitored at the southern (Rheban) end of the beach.
🐦 Protect Our Hooded Plovers at Spring Beach 🏖️
Did you know Tasmania is home to around half of Australia's vulnerable Eastern Hooded Plover population? These remarkable little shorebirds nest on our beaches each spring and summer, making local beaches like Spring Beach vital breeding habitat.
📍 Important Update – Spring Beach
There is currently a Hooded Plover nest at the northern (Triabunna) end of Spring Beach, which has been fenced off by volunteers to protect the eggs. A second pair of birds is also being monitored at the southern (Rheban) end of the beach.
👀 How to Identify a Hooded Plover
Look for:
✅ A distinctive black head and white collar
✅ A bright red eye-ring
✅ A red bill with a black tip
✅ Small size and fast movements along the shoreline
🥚 Breeding Season (August to February)
Hooded Plovers nest directly on open sand above the high-tide mark. Their eggs are exceptionally well camouflaged and can be difficult to spot.
Once hatched, chicks cannot fly for around five weeks and must forage on the beach for food, making them particularly vulnerable to disturbance.
🦀 What Do They Eat?
These energetic birds feed along the water's edge, darting about in search of: • Small insects
• Sandhoppers
• Tiny crabs and other beach invertebrates
🐕 How You Can Help
Keep dogs on a leash -
Dogs are one of the biggest threats to Hooded Plovers. Please keep your dog under effective control and comply with local seasonal wildlife signage.
Walk on the wet sand -
Stay close to the water and below the high-tide mark wherever possible. Nests are usually located higher on the beach near the dunes.
Avoid dunes and beach vegetation -
These areas provide important nesting and shelter habitat for Hooded Plovers and other coastal wildlife.
Watch for warning behaviour -
If a bird starts calling loudly, running away from a particular area, or dragging a wing as if injured, it is likely trying to distract you from a nearby nest or chicks. Carefully retrace your steps and move toward the water's edge.
❤️ Every Step Counts
By giving Hooded Plovers a little extra space, we can help ensure these vulnerable birds continue to breed successfully on Tasmania's beaches.
Thank you to the volunteers and community members helping protect our local wildlife. 🐦🌊
