The beach stone-curlew (also known as beach thick-knee) is one of the most endangered birds in NSW with 15 breeding pairs left. In last year’s breeding season, seven pairs made nesting attempts and only four fledglings survived.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Three birds live at Urunga and a key contributing factor to the poor procreation is the disturbance by humans and dogs.
NPWS and Urunga Landcare invite residents and visitors with or without their dogs to a ‘Dog’s Breakfast’ at the Urunga Reserve (opposite Ocean View Hotel) on Sunday, October 18 at 7.30am for a barbecue. Rangers and birdwatchers will explain what it will take for Urunga to collectively ‘hatch’ another beach stone-curlew chick this year, and hopefully into the future.
Bellinger Landcare’s new member group at Urunga has joined forces with Urunga Primary school, North Coast Holiday Parks, NPWS, Bellingen Shire Council and BirdLife Australia to make sure that the single egg to be laid this year not only hatches but grows into a healthy strong bird.
The egg is laid on the sand above the high water mark and incubated for 30 days. Beach stone-curlews are waders and prefer to have an open view around their nesting site, using driftwood as shelter. They will nurture their chick for seven to 12 months before it becomes truly independent.
Disturbance of the nesting site is the largest risk and birds that have to get off the nest often to ‘distract’ a possible intruder are unlikely to hatch their chick. People and their dogs need to keep well away from the nesting site for the month of breeding time (October to December) and while the chick is small.
Temporary fencing will be erected in an effort to keep dogs and people off the nesting site for the breeding period and all are encouraged to not only respect the fence but to help look after this important area.
Call the Landcare office on 6655-0588 to find out more, to join in and/ or to book in for breakfast.