Looking as if a child had drawn them, Sooty Oystercatchers are listed as a vulnerable species in NSW,
threatened by such things as dogs on beaches and 4WD vehicles. Their eggs are very well camouflaged
and easily stepped on by the unwary, so walking on the wet sand and keeping dogs on a leash on the
beach wherever these attractive birds breed will help conserve them. Obviously Four-wheel driving on
the beach is not good for any species of beach-nesting birds.