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People heading to a popular beach north of Auckland during the summer are told to stay out of a predator-proof bird sanctuary, to protect the endangered species that call it home.
Birds New Zealand said that this is an image of a dog chasing multi-colored stilts and that the Caspian terms with its owner were not on display. Source: Birds of New Zealand
Birds New Zealand is frustrated that some beachgoers are preparing to spend the day in the fenced-in area at the end of Omaha Beach, instead of using the 2.5 kilometers of main beach.
The sanctuary is home to shorebirds such as New Zealand dotterels, banded dotterels, godwits, and variable oystercatchers.
Birds New Zealand Auckland region representative Ian McLean said people have been bringing their barbecues and gazebos, playing cricket and sunbathing near the nests.
Some people have also been taking their dogs to the sanctuary.
“The problem with that is that it actually limits the opportunity for young birds to feed,” McLean said.
“New Zealand dotterel chicks can’t go to the water’s edge to feed and the same is true for variable oystercatchers – it’s actually a lot worse for [them] because they are actually fed by their parents, so their parents must be able to access the water and access the shoreline. “
McLean said that could have serious consequences for the chicks’ survival – some of them are starving.
“It is simply the fact of too much disturbance.”
McLean is urging bathers to stay away from the sanctuary and enjoy their time on the main part of the beach.
