In mid-October migratory Little Terns returned to their nesting grounds at Karagi Point, The Entrance, and already the first baby chicks are starting to totter around the sand.

Little Terns migrate from South-east Asia to Australia each year and are protected under both State and Federal threatened species legislation – and the Central Coast’s Karagi Point is their most important breeding ground in New South Wales.  

Central Coast Council undertakes annual management work to help protect the Little Tern nesting areas, and in recent years these actions have resulted in record-breaking breeding success and significantly contributed to the long-term survival of the species.

Council Environment and Planning Director, Jamie Loader said that managing a beach for both people and threatened species can be challenging, but with careful management by Central Coast Council with support from NPWS, DCCEEW and the Saving our Species program, and we are now hopeful of another successful breeding season.

“The key thing from now on, until the end of their breeding season, is to ensure that we all do our bit to help protect them and ensure their survival,” Mr Loader said.

“This includes staying away from fenced nesting areas, not leaving rubbish which might entangle wildlife or attract predatory animals, such as silver gulls or foxes, and remember that dogs are not allowed on Karagi Point beach at any time.

“As chicks start to hatch, they may leave the fenced area and be anywhere on the beach, particularly towards the ocean waterline. So please keep your eyes peeled for tiny, well-camouflaged chicks and eggs,” he said.

NPWS spokesperson, Katherine Howard, said this is the most productive nesting site for Little Terns in New South Wales, despite being such a busy urban beach.

“It’s a wonderful example of how people can ‘share the shore’ with threatened species.

“Central Coast residents and visitors are doing a great job in leaving space for these birds to raise their families.”

Karagi Point will be closed to the public during large open-air events including the Christmas Carols (beach closed 3pm – 10pm 24 December) and New Year’s Eve fireworks events (beach closed 12pm – 12:30am).  For more information on the fireworks event visit: lovecentralcoast.com/newyearseve

Council Mayor Lawrie McKinna said that we’re very lucky to have this species, at risk of extinction, arrive at The Entrance to begin nesting every summer.

“I want to thank Council staff for their commitment to protecting these endangered seabirds, as well as the community for being respectful of the nesting site so that we can continue to enjoy them.”

Find out more on the Little Terns and how to help protect them by visiting: centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/littleterns

This project is also supported in part by the NSW Government’s Saving our Species program.

Photo credit: Andrew Robinson