NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS)

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) shorebird protection staff and volunteers are chirpily awaiting hatchings within a three-egg nest of Critically Endangered Hooded Plovers on a beach north of Ulladulla.

NPWS Shorebird Recovery Coordinator Jodie Dunn says this nesting pair is having a second try this season, after their first nest of eggs disappeared to an unknown fate last month, possibly eaten by ravens.

"The Hooded Plovers are nesting on Inyadda Beach near Manyana, about 15 kilometres north of Ulladulla, under the watchful eyes of volunteers Terry and Carol McBride.

"The McBrides saw their first Hoodie chick fledge last summer after years of watching over eggs only to have them abandoned, washed away in big swells or predated by foxes or ravens.

"When this pair nested last month we erected a protective fence, but with this second-try nest we've taken no chances and have installed a one-metre-square protective cage over the eggs to stop predators.

"We've even dug a wire mesh skirting under the sand to stop foxes burrowing into the cage, which has gaps big enough for the birds to come out and feed but small enough to keep foxes and other predators out.

"Hooded Plovers are self-feeding from the time they hatch, so while the McBrides hope any day now three fluffy chicks will emerge from the cage, they also know the hatchlings will be extremely vulnerable as they search the beach for insects and crustaceans to eat.

"The Hoodie parents will try and warn their chicks of danger, so if anyone sees birds that appear to be distressed or suddenly noisy, they should take extra care not to step on their tiny camouflaged chicks and keep dogs on leads and under control.

"If you are on Inyadda Beach please help these chicks survive by walking down by the shoreline on the wet sand and leaving the upper dry sand area for the feeding chicks.

"In addition to keeping dogs under control, please walk them down by the water and not higher up on the beach and never let them chase birds.

"If we can protect these Critically Endangered Hooded Plover chicks until Christmas time, then they will start flying and join the rest of the small south coast Hoodie population.

"With fewer than 50 Hooded Plovers remaining in NSW, every chick counts and hopefully, through a combined effort by NPWS, our wonderful volunteers and the public, together we can swell their numbers," Ms Dunn said.