Joy and despair at Ahipara as dotterel nest destroyed

One of the Ahipara dotterels with her chicks, the first of what is hoped will be several to hatch this breeding season. Photo / Doug Klever

The self-appointed guardians of Ahipara's tiny New Zealand dotterel population are thrilled that the birds have begun their breeding season early — and in despair that one of the nests has been destroyed.

Two chicks were already exploring their environment last week, Doug Klever saying they had hatched early, before the summer influx of holiday-makers, which improved their chances of survival.

Two more nests each contained three eggs (although only two were expected to survive), raising hopes of a relatively bumper breeding season.

Later in the week one of those nests was destroyed, however, prints in the sand suggesting children and at least one dog might have been responsible.

That pair had two produced two clutches of eggs last year, both of which were destroyed, the first by a high tide, the second by a motorcyclist.

One of the residents who watch over the birds said she was devastated by the loss of the nest this season.

"We work so hard to protect them. What are people thinking when they do this?" she asked.

While nothing much could be done now, she appealed to anyone who knew who was responsible to contact the Age, so at least someone could have a quiet word.

Two more pairs were settled on the beach further north, Mr Klever said, but nests had not yet been found.

Residents are once again using driftwood to give the nests some protection from the sea and people, and as cover for the chicks when they hatch.

"They don't muck around. They come out [of the eggs] running," he said.

"The wood also stops vehicles and motor bikes from hooning around the nests, assuming it does not get snatched for a New Year's Eve bonfire."

The NZ dotterel (plover, red-breasted plover, tuturiwhatu, pukunui, kukuruatu) is officially endangered. The national population is estimated at around 1700.