Photos and comment by Roger Brent Smith

Spring is obviously in the air at Peka Peka beach! Two tiny black-fronted dotterels have set up home there, while a newly hatched spur-winged plover chick explores its wetland habitat. A plea to Peka Peka beach locals — can you please keep your dogs on their leads in the Peka Peka stream estuary area, as this is where the birds are nesting. Thank you.