It's been a quarter of a century wait!

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HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL - Please do not repost

I am pleased to announce the arrival of Maianbar Pied Oystercatcher chick no. 1. First seen sitting awkwardly in nest at 6am on Sunday 25 November 2018 , weighing only a couple of grams, and up and running around 7.30am. Both parents are ecstatic and are eagerly awaiting the arrival of chick no. 2 (as am I).

It has been decades since an oystercatcher chick has hatched on a public beach in Sydney so it is truly amazing news, though, unfortunately, very private news, only open to you, our beach nesting bird volunteers.

It is most important that this is kept amongst yourselves, please do not share for the time being. We are really only at the half way point because we have around another 5 weeks or so until the chick/s fledge. The first 3 weeks are when they are most vulnerable as they will still be in camo colours, flightless and therefore vulnerable to being stepped on.

Please may I also ask that you don’t come down to take photos as I currently have no idea where they’ll be on the Spit once the second chick is up and running. I anticipate the family will move to better feeding grounds, which I anticipate will be up at the Bonnievale end as that is normally where the birds roost over high tide and it has tidal feeding grounds plus fringing mangroves to provide cover for the chick.

I’ve included a couple of photos that I took from my home balcony this afternoon, plus a Youtube link for you to view. I am happy for you to use the photos for your own purposes once we know the outcome of the chick/s.

This could not have been achieved without the support of Sutherland Shire Council, particularly all in the Bushcare unit and Brendon Graham. It also took the support of the community pulling together so big thanks goes to you, the volunteers, and later, to the broader community.

I anticipate that I will still be calling for volunteers on weekends as we may need to top and tail the oystercatcher family in their travels to keep them feeding and resting safely.