These two birds are small waders, very common in the Hexham wetlands.

The reason I'm talking about them is that I was driving along and came across the nests of both these birds on the side of the road in the gravel.

Normally nests are found on the edge of the mudflats, so it came as a bit of a surprise to me.

How common is it? I'm not too sure but will make some inquiries.

It also makes me wonder how many nests are lost because of their proximity to the road and unsuspecting drivers.

The Red Capped Plover is probably our most common beach-nesting shorebirds. They can be found along virtually the entire Australian coastline, but they also occur in great numbers inland, especially around saltlakes.

The Black-fronted Dotterel is distinctive because of its black face-mask and breast-band.

When it forages, it keeps its body horizontal but bobs its head as it searches for food, often running then stopping suddenly to peck at food items.

Both birds are very similar in their habits.

Once approached they will keep running away in front of you, trying to keep a set distance apart.

When they're feeding they dart along and stop and bob their heads. They will feed on all kinds of insects, tiny fish and other food sources in the mud.

In NSW they nest from September to December, although right at the northern end of the state and into southern Queensland they can be nesting all years round.

The nest is a shallow area in the gravel or sand, and both birds incubate.