In the wake of the most recent five-minute bird count results, we are excited to spotlight some of the native and endemic birds showing significant count increases since November 2020.
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With its lush landscapes and vibrant birdlife, Waiheke Island is a paradise for nature lovers. However, one silent threat looms over our feathered friends: window strike/glass collision. Native Bird Rescue, run by Karen Saunders, is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured birds, many of whom suffer from window collisions - contributing to up to 50% of all bird admissions at the rescue.
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After receiving a flood of stunning submissions and a close public vote, the top 10 finalists were chosen for both rounds of the #backyardbirding photo competition and given to local professional photographer Peter Rees to judge! Check them out!
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Imagine if …Waiheke was predator-free… There are many benefits to so many aspects of our island's flora and fauna - that’s why we will do a little series to break down some of the incredible changes Waiheke could see after becoming predator free.
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The heat of another clear day beats down on me. I am surrounded by harakeke, kōwhai, pōhutukawa and pūriri which shake with the movement of feasting birds. It’s a nectar feeder’s dream.
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The depths of a tall forest gully can feel like you’re in a remote and untouched part of the world, especially when you can no longer get a signal on your GPS. A noiseless shadow swoops past me, few creatures move with such ease and invisibility, so I am enamoured to see the golden eyes of a ruru peering down from the underside of a wheki ponga.
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Kōtare, or Sacred Kingfisher, are the glimpse of colour you may see dipping in and out of a riverside or silhouetted on a powerline. Often you’ll only see a flash of teal and a splash before they return to their lookout hidden away in the mangroves.
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Kākā are a key indicator species for stoat abundance, given stoats predate on kākā chicks and eggs, so as stoat numbers continue to drop on the motu, kākā numbers are soaring. You are invited to participate in a citizen science initiative to help understand the abundance of these magnificent bush parrots on our island. Whenever you see or hear kākā this November, record your sightings!
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The New Zealand Garden Bird Survey is the longest-running annual survey of biodiversity in the country. Not only does it encourage an appreciation of the diversity of beautiful birdlife on our doorstep, but it allows for members of the community, from tots to tīpuna, to actively contribute to vital conservation research. The data collected from Waiheke over the last 10 years tells a very interesting story.
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A huff of olive green streaks past me, bouncing back and forth between the mahoe. He is electric with energy as his plumage stands on end, the males surrounding all decorated with the same round and ruffled shape.
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With the days at their shortest and the weather at its strongest, you may be wondering what can be done to support birds during this turbulent time. Well, it's not just ducks that love the rainy days of winter, trees and plants love it too. This is the best time of year to design your garden around what kind of visitors you want to encourage to your backyard.
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Shags, in my opinion, are an essential part of experiencing coastal Aotearoa. Some people may know them as the relentless and hungry bird that nicks bait and fish from the end of your line, their snake-like neck appearing loch-ness-style to the rear of your boat the moment your line is cast. Tīkapa Moana is home to 5 species of shag, pied being the most easily recognised.
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