2 chicks, about a week old. Low quality pics as it was getting dark. Built a rudimentary shelter for the chicks with a few logs, hope they make it. Parents around chasing BBGs.
The Auckland Four-Wheel Drive Club had visited the beach the day before. On the whole they had stayed below the high tide mark, but had ventured into the nesting area at the southern-most stream mouth. No sign of any dotterel chicks. There were either three or four dotterel pairs, all behaving territorial.
Second attempt, hopefully goes better than the first one! Area has been roped off. Nest in an usual good location; top of a vegetated dune, mostly spinifex and pingao. As it is not exposed, I don't think we will install a protective cover.
CLH looking good.
Original sighting courtesy of Norrie Montgomery . Reported in the Birds Auckland Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/407737962618016/permalink/2483021498422975/
Photo credit Norrie Montgomery.
CLH born in Piha late 2017, banded in Piha January 2018.