2025 Events

September 10th - Members’ research on loss and degradation of bird habitat & species:
11 members enjoyed a lively discussion regarding the loss/degradation of our native bird habitat. Urbanisation, the significant reduction in wetlands, and other land use has impacted on our native species. Climate change, the Incidence of weeds on braided rivers attracting predators, and vehicles having beach access were also cited as placing birds and their nests at risk. Bird species referenced included wrybills, skylarks, pipins, black fronted stilts, bitterns, takahe and raptors. 

August 13th - Trip to Tawharanui, bird count:
Counted/heard 23 species of birds including at least a dozen of big fat kereru..

May 26 - Visit to Cue Haven:
Our group was well received by a very hospitable Thomas and Mahurkh. We walked to the top of the 40 acre property “Cue Haven” a thriving, self-sustaining, community native forest reserve with Thomas as a knowledgeable guide.
While bird life was a little scarce on a windy day, the bush restoration and views of the Kaipara were outstanding.

March 13 - Visit to Tawharanui:.
An enthusiastic group of Bird Watchers (and listeners) were not disappointed with our visit to Tawharanui to listen to bird song. The noisiest were the bellbirds korimako although the tui gave them a run for their money! Whiteheads popo kotea, saddlebacks tieke, banded rail moho pereru, (who were more interested in foraging than singing), kereru, whose flight makes a whooshing sound, and a baby takahe honking for its parents, piwakawaka all put on a show, many daring to come on the same eco trail as us. The baby takahe is considered to be the first born in a public place in NZ. For those interested in enjoying such an experience, make sure you go early (before 9.30 am) and walk slowly through the ngahere.