LATEST ‘HOODIE’ NEWS

Normally three breeding pairs occupy several nesting sites along this part of the Harmers Haven coast: Wreck Beach access area and west, Coal Creek estuary, and east of the estuary toward Cape Paterson.

The Coal Creek Estuary. Orange WD and partner White YN are back in the estuary area and their first nest was discovered here on 3 December. Sadly, their first nest was reported to have failed on 12 December and a second nest on 22 December also failed. A third nest failed on 28 December from fox predation and a fourth nest failed on 12 January, again from fox predation. That is 4 nests and 7 eggs without any hatchlings!

Wreck Beach/Waterfall Creek. FANTASTIC NEWS HERE AT LAST. The last chick officially fledged on 14th April at 35 days of age, the first fledge at this site since 2013/14 season.

The breeding pair of White AP and unflagged partner regularly use this section of beach between Wreck Beach and the A22 access steps. Between 26 November 2024 and early March 2025, they had 5 nests with 12 eggs, with 2 chicks finally hatching. One chick was lost at 5 days of age but the remaining chick has managed to get to juvenile age. The chick still cannot fly strongly and is subject to predation. Please observe and follow the advice and stay well clear where you see signage. The chick needs to roam widely between the waters edge and foredunes to forage and there is little protection against ground and aerial predators.

East of Coal Creek estuary. There has been no breeding activity in this area. Please note, this is a NO DOG area.

INTERESTING FACTS

Hoodie Orange WD is an 8 year old female bird that fledged in January 2016 west of the Powlett River. It’s male partner is White YN.

White AP is an amazing 17 year old female bird that fledged from Phillip Island in 2007 and has spent all of its adult life around the Harmers Haven area, breeding every season since 2011/12.

IMPORTANT SITE INFORMATION

The breeding pairs use both the upper beach, foredunes and creek estuaries as nesting sites. Try to keep your beach walking at the water’s edge away from the high tide line and refrain from entering the estuaries when signs are displayed.

PARKS VICTORIA REGULATIONS

NO DOGS are allowed east of the estuary heading toward Wilson Rd/F Break as per Parks Victoria regulations. A sign is in place on the upper beach just past the Coal Creek estuary advising of this. Elsewhere, dogs should be on leash at all times when allowed. Local Parks Victoria Rangers and Officer’s from the Office of the Conservation Regulator monitor these beaches to ensure compliance.