Public reminded to be careful around coastal nesting sites

NESTING: The Department of Conservation is urging people to take care around nesting sites. PHOTO/Supplied.

The Department of Conservation is reminding the public to be careful on and around the region's beaches at this time of year, especially around nesting sites.

DoC Hawke's Bay Operations Manager Connie Norgate says many of New Zealand's rare and endangered birds are currently raising their young in these areas.

"Right now, there are thousands of birds nesting on our beaches," she says.

"From the critically endangered black-billed gull or tarāpuka and New Zealand dotterel or tūturiwhatu, to the more common, but equally precious, white fronted turn or tara.

"These birds use camouflage as a defence mechanism, so the chicks and nests can be extremely difficult to spot."

For this reason, DoC is asking people to be aware of their surroundings when visiting the beach, especially if they have a dog and even in leash free areas.

"Having more people outdoors increases the chance of disturbances at nesting sites," says Ms Norgate.

"Please avoid nesting sites where possible because animals are not aware of boundaries. If you're out with your dog and see a nest, please leash them until you're safely past that area.

"Also keep your eyes peeled when using off-road vehicles."

Other ways people can help protect these birds is by keeping:
- Below the high tide mark.
- Noise to a minimum and not getting too close.
- To marked tracks and paths wherever possible.
- Dogs on a leash.
- Vehicles off beaches and sandspits.

Ms Norgate said these are small and effective measures to give these birds a fighting chance this breeding season.