A budding family of oystercatchers took over prime real estate on Mount Maunganui main beach to look after two eggs. The was cordoned off by the Department of Conservation, prompting curious looks and questions from beach goers.
A budding family of oystercatchers has taken over a prime spot on Mount Maunganui's main beach.
Two eggs have been laid smack in the middle of the beach, just in time for the peak holiday period.
The Department of Conservation has erected 3-metre fences and signs to warn people off and respect the two nesting birds which are expected to sit on the eggs until at least mid-January.
By the time the chicks hatch, thousands of people would have visited the beach which is regarded as one the North Island's most popular destinations.
Tauranga ranger Kate Millar said it was cool to see but the birds nesting but they needed their space.
"We ask people to stay on the right side of the rope and look out for other nesting birds. At this time of year there are a few birds that nest in the tidal zone, particularly dotterels which are endangered," Ms Millar said.
She said people should call the Department of Conservation Hotline if they saw nesting birds in areas where there was a lot of foot traffic.
Regional representative for Birds Bay of Plenty Paul Cuming said there were only 5000 variable oystercatchers in New Zealand and the world since they were endemic.
He said variable oystercatchers mated for long periods of time for the most part: "There is little evidence of oyster catcher divorce."
Mr Cuming said the main area for their nesting was Matakana Island but if there was not enough room there the birds would seek elsewhere.
An oyster catcher nonplussed to have laid its eggs smack dab in the busiest strip of Mount Maunganui beach. Photo/George Novak
"Although these ones didn't necessarily pick the best spot," he said.
Oyster catchers use the tactic of distraction to lead humans away from their nests.
"But that involves getting off the nest and at the height of summer the eggs shouldn't be left in the sun for long periods of time. As humans, we don't realise we are endangering them."
He said people needed to realise it was a special event happening right in the middle of the busy beach.
"I would suggest respect the birds' boundaries and don't take dogs anywhere near."
Oyster catchers have laid eggs on Mount Maunganui beach. Photo/George Novak
OYSTER CATCHERS - Variable oyster catchers breed most commonly on sandy beaches, sandspits and in dunes - Breeding success of variable oystercatchers is often low, with main causes of failure being predation of eggs or chicks by predators, flooding of nests by big tides and disturbance from human recreation - No specific conservation measures are undertaken but some birds on the east coast of the North Island benefit from protection programmes for dotterels and fairy terns.
Oyster catchers have laid eggs on Mount Maunganui beach. Photo/George Novak
