February update on Hoodies nesting along our coast

Published on 14 February 2025

Site specific updates:

Barham River: Two chicks fledged on Saturday 25 January

Wild Dog near Apollo Bay: Nest being monitored, fence set up.

Sugarloaf Beach: Nest is being monitored; fence set up.

Point Impossible Nudist Beach: nest due to hatch Tuesday 18 February

Torquay Whites Beach Dog Off Lead area: Unfortunately, a chick did not survive.

Red Rocks Point Addis: Fledged Wednesday 26 January.

Point Roadknight tip 95W: Fledged Wednesday 26 January and a new nest was discovered on Friday 7 February.

Point Roadknight 96 W: Unfortunately, a chick did not survive.

Point Roadknight 97 W: Unfortunately, this nest was lost but new scrapes have been detected, so the Hoodies are trying to nest again.

Hutt Gully: Eggs due to hatch but pair may be infertile.

Aireys Inlet: Two chicks hatched 17 February

Lorne: birds active and a nest could be imminent.

Conservation Supervisor Scott Hives said:

“Our Rangers have been busy working with volunteers, holidaymakers, and local communities to protect the Hoodies.

We’re noticing that every year more people understand that we must work together to protect the Hoodies.

Despite some challenges, it’s been a successful breeding season so far with Hoodies fledging at Apollo Bay, Point Addis, and Point Roadknight.

We’re thrilled that the pair of Hoodies at the Barham River mouth in Apollo Bay successfully fledged two chicks. We’ll continue to monitor the pair of Hoodies nesting at Sugarloaf and Wild Dog.

Hoodies breed from August to April, so there’s still some time left for more Hoodies to fledge (fly).”