Breeding Birds on Our Beaches
Birdlife Overberg has campaigned to educate beach goers on how to share the shores in collaboration with Nature Valley’s Trust and the Overstrand Municipality for several years. Pringle Bay has always tried to create an awareness on the main beach of the breeding African Black Oystercatchers and more recently the White-fronted Plovers. Chris Geldenhuys (PBRPA) was instrumental in putting nests signs up and keeping an eye on the success of the breeding pairs on the beach. This summer we would appreciate if one could spread the word and gently remind folk how their actions are affecting these birds.
The breeding success of these two species is declining especially where beaches are busy. Hence, they are good indicators of a healthy coastal ecosystem. The success of each nest may therefore be critical for the survival of the species according to Anton who recommends that we share the shores responsibly by giving these nesting birds some space and by avoiding the designated nesting areas. Dogs should be leashed on the beaches for the breeding season, please note that ‘well-trained dogs’ are perceived as a threat as the birds see all animals as potential predators. Last year only one oystercatcher chick fledged the others were all killed by dogs. Living in a biosphere lets share the shores…
