On 1/Nov/2008 I met a woman at Truganina Swamp,Altona,who was monitoring several pairs of nesting Red-capped Plovers for a university study. This afternoon I was dismayed to see two grown men almost trampling on little Red-caps as they played with two remote-controlled toy cars,driving them all over the area favoured by the plovers for nesting.
They also had a supply of alcohol with them.When they left by clambouring over the Melbourne Water fence,they did so while still clutching their precious stubbies.They got into a Ute and drove off,no doubt to return.
I noted the reg.number,but what can be done?
This area is clearly signed by Melbourne water as a conservation area with a request to keep out.
I have so far only counted 4 Red-caps this year,when in the past there has been 10 or so.I think I’ve found the reason for the decline.
David Richardson ===============================
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To follow up on my reprt of the distubance at Truganina Swamp,I have followed advice sent to me by several of you and contacted both the local council ranger and Melbourne water concerning the incident I witnessed.
David
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There are Melbourne Water signs attatched to the high fence at intervals around the perimeter.It states its a conservation area and to please keep out.
This seems to make some people even more determined to go in.Even though there are ample multi-use parks provided around Altona.
David
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Sounds like a good idea, but in this case the area is already completely fenced and off limits to the public. These people had to climb over a shoulder height fence to get in.
People occasionally get in there to walk their dogs, but I would imagine that would do less damage to the Red-caps’ breeding success than having remote control cars screaming all over the nesting area for a prolonged period.
Interestingly, I don’t think there are actually any signs saying you aren’t allowed in, although that should be obvious, or why. I’m not sure if that would reduce the number of incursions.
I think a bit of barbed wire would have the best results.
As I mentioned, it’s really hard to get trespassers into any kind of trouble, because they’re usually on foot, and would be already gone if the police ever did turn up.
Peter Shute
Everyone,
I had a blinding flash of premonition about Red-capped Plovers a few years ago whilst on a visit to Japan. Our hosts were talking about Kentish Plovers, and how they had once been very common resident shorebirds, but how greatly their numbers had dropped in latter years. I realised that in Australia their equivalent was our Red-capped Plover, that ubiquitous little shorebird. I had assumed that it would always be there. Yes, I know: how naive of me. Suddenly I could envisage how it could diminish in Australia, and ever since then have taken their conservation as a serious matter.
In Noosa, SEQld, following consultation with me, our local council now has signs describing the habits and habitat requirements of the Red-capped Plover, as well as bollard barriers to protect their breeding habitat. I urge interested birders to do the same with their local authorities, to promote secure habitat for beach-nesting birds, if it has not already been done.
When I am working in the Noosa estuary I regularly photograph the number plates of vehicles illegally within the prohibited zone, and pass the photos on to council, who write to the registered owners. You just have to keep at it.
How well-founded my premonition was. At the most recent Australasian Shorebird Conference one of the speakers highlighted the diminishing numbers of Redcaps in, I think, Tasmania. It’s likely to be the same around the country.
Cheers,
Jill
Easy. Send the rego in to Melb Water. Or the cops.
Tony
Definitely report it to the police. We very rarely get anything to identify these people by, so it’s a good chance to make an example of them. What they’ll do, I don’t know.
If you or anyone knows who’s doing the Red Capped-plover study, it would be good to let her know. Hopefully she can explain the situation to the police better, and they can be charged with some wildlife offences and not just trespassing or a warning. Maybe ring the council ranger too, I’ll send you her email address, etc, when I get home.
Hopefully they have left tracks as evidence.
Peter Shute