The Hooded Plover breeding season is July to March, but this year it possibly finished in January in Holdfast Bay. After reporting the tragic loss of a chick, possibly killed by an e-bike in November, XM and partner laid another three eggs on the beach adjacent to Brighton Caravan Park.
Two chicks hatched on 21 December – just in time for the busy holiday period, and five days later they moved to the storm drain adjacent to Young Street. One chick was predated by a Silver Gull and the remaining chick managed to survive 23 days before it disappeared – cause unknown.
Since then, the two adults have been sighted at Marino Rocks and show no signs of breeding again.
Birdlife volunteers (supported by Green Adelaide) and Holdfast Bay Council invested heavily in site management, community education and compliance.
Thanks to all involved including strong community support.
Breeding results for XM and partner 2024-25: nests – 3; eggs – 9; chicks – 7; fledged – 0