From whales riding the humpback highway, octopus friends in Kiama’s rockpools to seals on guard at Werri Beach, the region is a hive of activity for sea life great and small and citizen scientists are often on the frontline of species protection.

However, beach-nesting birds like the Little tern are so small they can often be overlooked, landing them a spot on the endangered species list.

The tiny birds lay their eggs directly on the sand, and eggs and chicks can be so well camouflaged they are almost invisible to the naked eye, leaving them vulnerable to being unwittingly trampled.

A collaborative effort between BirdLife Australia, community volunteers, Kiama Council and the NPWS is “terning the tide” on the endangered colonies.

Coastal areas in Kiama and surrounds are home to six rare and endangered shorebirds including the Little tern, Pied oystercatcher, Beach stone-curlew, Sooty oystercatcher, Hooded plover and Red-capped plover.

Awareness campaigns by councils and stakeholders have seen a boost in shorebird breeding populations of threatened species like the Little tern, with more than 900 nests counted across the state in the 2024-2025 season.

The Pied Oystercatcher. Photo: Kiama Council

During the most recent breeding period, Little tern nests were spotted at 24 sites along the NSW coast, including Kiama, according to NPWS deputy secretary Trish Harrup.

Citizen scientist counts of active nests during the October to February season found at least 485 breeding pairs of little terns in NSW, a jump from last year’s number of around 430, with standout colonies in Shoalhaven Heads and Lake Conjola.

“This incredible number of breeding pairs resulted in an estimated 510 fledglings, making it the highest count of fledglings recorded and a substantial jump from last year’s figure of around 370,” says Ms Harrup.

“That’s the second-highest number in 24 years, to see an increase in numbers of a threatened species for two consecutive years is an incredible achievement. But it’s not possible without a cast of hundreds to lend their time to this important cause.”

While there has been an increase in Little tern breeding pairs in NSW, there are less than 200 breeding pairs of the endangered Pied oystercatcher.

A NPWS Pied oystercatcher conservation project, in collaboration with Kiama and Shoalhaven councils, has installed signage at major nesting sights including Lake Conjola, Murramarang National park and Comerong Island, while predators like foxes are kept at bay to protect habitats.

Kiama council has called on beach-goers to help protect Pied Oystercatcher populations in the region by being aware of their feeding patterns - they can often be seen on the beach at low tide hunting for oyster shells - and breeding habitats.

“Please make sure you help by avoiding damage to the coastal vegetation and sand dunes they call home,” says a Kiama Council spokesperson.

“Many of these are themselves fragile ecosystems, with plants easily trampled by unwary feet. This includes our four-legged friends.”

Beach-goers have been urged to make sure dogs are only walked on an approved dog-beach and always kept on a leash.

“You can also reduce your chances of stepping on an egg or chick by walking to the water line and keeping an eye out for bird nesting signs and fenced-off nesting areas on the beach,” says Ms Harrup.

“Despite these promising numbers, these birds remain on the edge, and continued efforts are vital to protect them along our coast, and every person can play a role in making a difference.”

Bird lovers can also sign up to become volunteer citizen scientists, joining NPWS staff, councils and land managers across the state who last year counted 5000 observations of shorebird nest sites across the five-month nesting season, which is set to begin again in October.