Banded Dotterels nesting in Kaikoura

South Bay beach in Kaikoura is a breeding location for the endemic Banded dotterel | Pohowera. South bay is home to about 2,150 people. Many of these people own cats that are allowed to roam around and down to the beach where the Banded Dotterels nest. During the breeding season many birds are killed on their nests while incubating eggs or newly hatched chicks. This is a big problem in Kaikoura because more Banded dotterels are killed each year than the number of fledged individuals. 

It's important to do regular observations along the beach to see who's nesting and who's back from migration. One of our members, Ben Ackerley does this whenever he can to help out with the efforts to help protect this species in Kaikoura.

During one of my last visits during the breeding season in Jan this year two newly fledged chicks were found out of four that were expected. This is still a very good thing to see eggs hatching and the chicks starting to grow. Quite a few fledglings were also noted, these birds would have grown up to fledging earlier in the season. In total 39 birds were counted which is a pretty high number, but sadly most of the adult birds nests have failed with some not being able to successfully hatch chicks at all.

Ailsa McGilvary-Howard and Ted Howard have dedicated much of their time to help these birds. They volunteer their time and effort to observations, banding the birds, and advocating for the birds.

Cover photo - Banded Dotterel with satellite tracker, South Beach © Ben Ackerley