NESTING season has begun for one of Victoria’s most threatened species, hooded plovers.
The Conservation Regulator’s Operation “Save our Hoodies” (SoHo) is underway for the sixth year to help the next generation of hoodies take flight.
The operation is delivered with Parks Victoria and BirdLife Australia and involves nest monitoring, community education, and enforcement of rules around nesting sites.
The Conservation Regulator Regional Operations Manager Andrew Johnstone said it takes a village in order to protect the threatened species.
“Protecting this threatened species takes a village, with officers, rangers, volunteers and community members all playing an important role during the nesting season,” said Johnstone.
“Our patrols are promoting responsible behaviour around nesting sites and raising awareness of the penalties for disturbing hooded plovers and their nests.”
The nesting season runs until March, with the hooded plovers laying camouflaged eggs in sparse nests on beaches.
The tiny, speckled eggs are just bigger than 20-cent coins, making them hard to spot and easily trampled by people and dogs.
BirdLife volunteers will install protective fencing and signage around nests.
Parks Victoria Regional Director Adrian Browne said people should look out for fenced nesting areas.
“We’re reminding visitors to look out for fenced nesting areas and keep dogs on a lead where required, giving hooded plovers the space they need to breed successfully,” said Browne.
BirdLife Australia Beach-nesting Birds Project Coordinator Renée Mead said the eggs take four weeks to hatch, which leaves nests vulnerable to disturbance during the incubation period.
“A little extra care from beachgoers will go a long way in helping the next generation of hoodies hatch and take flight,” said Mead.
There are fewer than 700 hooded plovers remaining in Victoria, so every breeding season is crucial to the species’ survival.
Last season, BirdLife recorded 825 hooded plover eggs along Victoria’s coastline with 220 chicks hatched and only 68 survived to become juveniles.
Any disturbance to hooded plovers, their nests or eggs can result in fines up to $10,455, as they are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975.
Any reports of disturbance to hooded plovers and their nests can be made to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000.
First published in the Mornington News – 29 September 2026
