Sign of concern: John Murray points out a sign highlighting the precarious state of hooded plovers on Point Lonsdale Beach.
MICHELLE HERBISON
AN ANNUAL Rip to River fun run threatens to trample endangered hooded plover chicks wandering Point Lonsdale Beach, according to an environmentalist.
Birds Australia said the chicks were set to hatch from the Point Lonsdale area’s two surviving hooded plover nests.
One nest’s chicks should hatch on the beach this Saturday and the other on Boxing Day, Birds Australia said.
The fun run is scheduled to pass along the beach on December 27.
Geelong Environment Council’s Joan Lindros said the Rip to River threatened the plovers’ habitat.
She urged organisers to reconsider their route.
“We’ve got lots of beach. We don’t have to run on same spot where the plovers are.”
Birds Australia volunteer John Murray said he was worried the birds would roam the beach to feed during the fun run and the run’s support vehicle could “squash” the plover chicks.
The hooded plover was particularly vulnerable, he said.
“They have the lowest rate of chick survival of any bird in the world.”
Peter Rankin, of run organiser Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club, said members cared about the birds’ survival.
“We work with Barwon Coast, City of Greater Geelong and Birds Australia to make sure we take every possible step to not disturb any plovers nesting at the time,” he said.
The club had not considered diverting the course.
“Relocation hasn’t been suggested but in the past the birds haven’t been in the way,” Mr Rankin said.
