There are 50 Northern dotterel sites actively monitored by DOC and volunteers in the Coromandel (File Photo). Monthly king tides and a surge of holiday goers to Coromandel beaches didn’t stop one of New Zealand’s most endangered shorebirds from having another successful breeding season. An important habitat for the Northern New Zealand dotterel or tūturiwhatu, Coromandel Peninsula’s 50 breeding sites are home to 20-25 percent of the bird’s overall population. The birds gather in these spots after the breeding season to feed and socialise, a seasonal activity called flocking. Fencing and signage is erected as soon as nests are found during breeding season, to keep the birds safe from people and create awareness the birds need to be left alone.

Source: Stuff March 11, 2021 02:48 UTC