Environment – Dog access rule to protect shorebirds

Whangaparāoa Dotterel Minders Derek Kelsey and Diane Waring with Community Park Ranger Dan Morrow (centre). It's shorebird nesting season and for the second year, a special dog access rule is in place at Big Manly and Tindalls beaches to protect northern NZ Dotterels. Signs has been installed showing the new rules, which come into effect once the first nest has been started. Red markers will indicate areas where no dogs are permitted, up to 50m from the nest in all directions. Yellow markers show a 200m zone around the nest where dogs must be kept securely on short leads, which helps reduce further disturbance, and is especially important once chicks hatch. It is recommended that people adjust their usual dog walking routes during this short period. Normal seasonal dog access rules will continue to apply alongside this amendment and Animal Management will carry out spot checks. Developed last year through a partnership between Auckland Council, Forest & Bird's Whangaparāoa Dotterel Minders and Dog Friends Auckland, the new rule was approved by the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board to provide a way to protect these vulnerable shorebirds while retaining dog access at these popular beaches. Volunteer dotterel minders have cared for Big Manly's resident birds for six years, donating hundreds of hours of their time. Despite their efforts, nesting success has been limited by natural hazards such as high tides, as well as disturbance from people and dogs, which has had the greatest impact. Several nests have failed after being abandoned or eggs have overheated as a result of disturbance. This season has already been a difficult one for Whangaparāoa's dotterels, with Big Manly's most regular pair abandoning their nest at Gulf Harbour's Hammerhead. The female, known by her leg flag as EDS, has been missing for some time, assumed deceased. Dotterel minders are heartbroken and keeping a close eye on her partner ESC in the hope he will find a new mate. In addition, a bird known as ETJ living on Big Manly Beach has a foot injury caused by discarded fishing wire. The community has been very supportive with many keen to know how 'their dotterels' are faring both via Facebook or conversations with volunteers on the beach. So please make sure next time you visit these beaches you keep an eye out for these precious taonga. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer dotterel minder, email dotterels@forestandbird.org.nz or join the Whangaparāoa Dotterel Minders Facebook page to keep informed about all things 'Dotty'.