THE future is looking good for pied oystercatchers with National Parks and Wildlife Service counts under way at Towra Point Nature Reserve.
Ranger Jason Bishop said that so far the shorebird breeding season had recorded seven pied oystercatcher fledglings, and between 50 and 60 adult little terns had been seen flying above Towra Spit Island.
Now in his sixth season of counting, he said the numbers spotted so far was "amazing".
"I've never monitored seven pied oystercatcher fledglings before; [in previous years] you may only get three, so to get seven is fantastic."
In the lead-up to the season staff ensure the area is clean of rubbish and weed.
"Both bird species are listed as endangered and these are great signs that we're in for a successful breeding season in the area," Mr Bishop said.
"Estimates suggest there are only about 200 breeding pairs along the entire NSW coast."
As the birds lay eggs on the sand they are vulnerable to predators such as foxes, and also by humans disturbing the area.
"The little tern is a migratory bird that arrives from east Asia in October, November or December to lay eggs in similar nests," Mr Bishop said.
Public access to Towra Point Nature Reserve is restricted and the only place for recreation is the day use area (accessible only by water) at the north eastern side of Towra Point.
A fox baiting program is undertaken and dogs are not allowed into national parks or nature reserves at any time.
What measures do you think should be taken to protect the little birds?