How to help
How you can help
Predation and disturbance are the major causes of breeding failure for shorebirds. Eggs can overheat or chill if birds are kept off nests too long, and chicks may be lost if they are separated from their parents. During the breeding season (August–February), you can help by:
Staying out of fenced areas to avoid trampling nests and causing disturbance.
Staying below the high-tide line when possible.
Moving out of the area quickly if you see birds pretending to be injured or trying to lead you away.
Keeping all dogs, cats, and vehicles out of shorebird breeding areas.
Trust members undertake a wide variety of activities, including checking traps, monitoring birds, advocacy, and fund-raising. If you would like to help the Trust with its work, would like further information, or would like to make a donation to help with these activities, please contact us at:
Volunteers for predator trap monitoring are given on site training and should be willing to commit to monitoring once a week or fortnight during the nesting season August to February.
Bird monitors need to be experienced and to have undertaken training. The NZ Dotterel Management Course is held at the Miranda Shorebird Centre annually in September.
People interested in shorebird protection can volunteer to act as Advocates for the Omaha Shorebirds by visiting the site at high tide and engaging with the general public. Many of those visiting the spit know very little about the shorebirds present, and may inadvertently cause harm by their activities. Usually those approached are happy to be given a brochure and offered the opportunity to learn more about these birds.
