It is timely to mention the objectives we aim to achieve by holding our annual survey. The survey results provide an insight into the distribution and movement of Hooded Plover in Western Australia which in turn helps us identify key conservation areas. We get an update on the health of the Hooded Plover population and it's sustainability. The number of juvenile Hooded Plover seen provides an indication of the success of the past breeding season. Notification of breeding sites are of special interest.
Surveys are held in February each year for a reason. The beaches are quieter after the peak holiday season and you are still able to identify juvenile birds. Hooded Plover populations congregate at coastal lakes and beaches during the summer. In February they are still present and haven't yet dispersed to inland sites.
All sightings are recorded in our data base for reference and research.
Hooded Plover feeding on a reef near Gracetown
Photo courtesy Erica Shedley