Exciting Discovery: Nationally Vulnerable birds confirmed to be nesting on Lake Dunstan

​Today, Nita & Megan spotted a pair of incredibly camouflaged Banded Dotterels (Charadrius bicinctus) protecting a nest and Crested Grebes (Podiceps cristatus) taking a romantic paddle across the lake

It is predicted that there are less than 50,000 Banded Dotterels left, with this number continuing to decline. Nesting on gravel and riverbeds, they are regularly impacted by human activity (such as offroading cars/motorbikes), introduced mammals (e.g. cat, stoats) and loss of shoreline habitat.
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With the Crested Grebe, there is thought to be 3000 left. With much love and attention to detail, they create incredible floating nests for their 5-7 eggs. They are also impacted by human activity, predation by mammals and habitat loss & modification.

Please remember to be aware of our local bird species at this time of year as they are currently nesting. Be sure to keep your distance, stay on the path and control dogs when near.

Learn more: Banded Dotterel

Learn more: Crested Grebe