The survey was conducted by the Hooded Plover Committee in conjunction with Birds Australia to monitor hooded plover numbers.

Spokesperson Natalie Bell said the results had just come through, with a total of 614 hooded plover sighted across Western Australia.

“The total count for the Cape to Cape region was 21 adults and five juveniles,” Ms Bell said.

“Three confirmed breeding records were submitted.

“The first was at Ellenbrook where two adult birds were seen in company with two runners.

“At Conto Beach two adults with one runner were seen and near Augusta two adult birds with two runners.

“The successful breeding results are encouraging considering the number of visitors that frequent these beaches.”

Hooded plovers depend on the beach for breeding sites and are a threatened species.

Both the camouflaged eggs and crouching chicks are difficult to see, making them vulnerable to unwary walkers.

Unleashed dogs can also create problems by startling the birds and causing them to abandon their nests.

“You may have seen adult Hooded Plovers at your local beach for years, leading you to think they aren't in any danger,” Ms Bell said.

“ However, the adult birds live for about 10-15 years and if there aren't new young birds being produced to replace the older ones that die, then the species will be lost from our coast in the not-so-distant future.”

Volunteers searched for the birds on beaches between the Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin on February 6-7.

Ms Bell thanked local survey co-ordinator Jessica Worrall and Marcus Singor, from Birds Australia, for their assistance.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

• Try to keep at least 100m from hooded plovers.

• Report signs that indicate the presence of breeding birds.

• Keep dogs out of National Parks and on a leash in designated areas.

• Don’t take four-wheel drive vehicles, trail or quad bikes on beaches

• Pick up discarded fishing lines and rubbish.

• Walk below the high tide mark where possible.

• Hooded plover are funny little birds to watch; their tubby bodies on skinny legs that move so fast they are a blur beneath them.

• For more information contact the Hooded Plover Committee on mail@birdswa.com.au or visit www.birdswa.com.au