Baby dotterel born on Mount Maunganui beach

A dotterel was born on Mount Main Beach today. Western Bay Wildlife Trust's Julia Graham said one of the eggs had disappeared from the nest halfway between Mauao and Moturiki (Leisure) Island but the other had just hatched.

"It is running around all over the place," Graham said.

The dotterels were nested next to the oystercatchers, who found fame for nesting on the beach last summer, which were still sitting on their eggs.

A baby dotterel was born on Mount Main Beach. Photo/John Borren

Graham said a dotterel nest was laid between the Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service and the base track of Mauao a few weeks ago, but the tide washed it away on the first night the birds had nested.

"Within 24 hours there was another nest next to the oystercatchers," she said.

"We are not sure if they are the same birds that laid again. But at this point, there is only one pair of dotterels on Mount Main Beach."

Graham said the new bird had not yet been named but the new family was protected by sandbags, fences and signs. She asked beachgoers to be extra vigilant and try to give the birds space.

"This is a very vulnerable time for the chick. Please obey the dog-free zones. We are very lucky to have such an endangered species living in our midst."