An Easter Egg Hunt You Don’t Want to Win

This Easter, as families flock to the beautiful beaches of Phillip Island with picnic baskets and chocolate eggs, there’s another kind of egg hunt happening—one that we don’t want anyone to win!

Meet the Hooded Plover, affectionally known as ‘hoodies’, a tiny beach bird with a big challenge. These adorable little birds lay their eggs right on the sand, often near where we walk, play, and relax. Their eggs are small, sandy-colored, and very hard to see—nature’s version of camouflage! But unlike chocolate eggs, these ones shouldn’t be found.

The Hooded Plovers’ breeding season overlaps with the Easter holidays, which means they need a little extra help from all of us. Hoodies usually lay two to three eggs in a simple scrape. The pair will take turns incubating the eggs until they hatch at around 28 days. Chicks are precocious, meaning they leave the nest shortly after hatching and parents will stand guard and alert chicks if danger approaches, however chicks must find food and shelter for themselves.

Chicks can’t fly for about five weeks after hatching, so even a friendly dog or curious child can accidentally put them in danger.

Here’s how you can help protect these precious puffballs this Easter:

• Keep dogs on a leash near the beach.
• Stay outside fenced areas and watch for special signs.
• Walk along the water’s edge, not through the dunes.

And remember—if you see a fluffy chick running around, give it space!

By being careful where we step and staying alert, we can help the Hooded Plovers hatch safely and grow strong—so they can come back next year, just like the Easter Bunny!