N0.85 December 1997 Note: Deadline for the March issue will be 10th February.

Edited by TONY CROCKER 118 Cones Road, Ashley RD2 Rangiora. Phone: 03-313 4995, Fax: 03-364 2057 Email: [email protected] for the members of the Ornithological Society of New Zealand (Inc.)

Please note that sightings recorded in this newsletter are subject to confirma- tion. Campbell Island Snipe Discovered

One of the most significant ornithological Transferred discoveries in New Zealand this century Shearwaters Increase occurred on 9 November 1997, when a team searching for Campbell Island Teal onJacquemart Island caught a snipe and The breeding population of the newly saw seven others. Up until this time, there established Fluttering Shearwater colony was no evidence that snipe ever occurred on Maud Island increased sharply this in the Campbell Island group. year, when breeding was recorded in six burrows. Last season, two burrows were Campbell Island (11,268 ha.) was bred in and one pair successfully fledged discovered in 1810, but naturalists did a chick (see OSNZNews 83). not visit the island for several decades after this. It is assumed that Norway rats At present five of the breeding and cats were introduced bef~re1840, burrows are still active, with adults as none of the early naturalists reported incubating eggs or brooding young snipe, teal or pipits, all of which are now chicks. One burrow was lost during the confined to rat-free islets scattered egg stage, when the burrowwas flooded around the main island. during heavy rain. The snipe were discovered by Jeremy The number of shearwaters at the Carroll, Dave Barker, James Fraser and colony has been boosted by the addition three bird dogs, who were searching the of three unbanded birds (birds not various islets for further populations of transferred to the island). All of these Campbell Island Teal (otherwise only unbanded birds have paired with known from nearby Dent Island). Eight transferred birds. As yet, nine of the snipe were seen on 19 ha. Jacquemart transferred chicks have returned to the Island, and one of these was caught and colony, with at least six of these now photographed. breeding (three of the twelve breeding birds' identities are unknown at this Perhaps the two biggest surprises stage). arising from this discovery are that previous workers who visitedJacquemart All of the transferred chicks which in 1980 and 1984 did not record snipe have returned to the colony are from the during their admittedly short stays, and first three years of transfers, with birds that snipe have not been found on other from the final three years of transfer still rat-free islands around Campbell Island, to begin returning. It is expected that including 20 ha. Dent Island. the colony will continue to increase. It is likely that the Campbell Island With a small, expanding population Snipe will prove to be an endemic of Fluttering Shearwaters now established subspecies of the New Zealand Snipe on Maud Island, the primary aim of the Coenocorypha aucklandica, which has project has now been achieved. This is surviving populations on the Snares, the first time that a procellarifom species Auckland and Antipodes Islands. The tiny has been shifted to a new (artificial) remnant population on Jacquemart colony. Island will remain vulnerable to extinction unless cats and Norway rats LOUISE & MIKE BELL can be eradicated from Campbell Island.

COLIN MISKELLY

OSNZNews - No.85 - December 1997 1 AGM Wellington 1998 = between 2.00 and 5.00 pm on Saturday This trip is limited to a maximum of an invitation 30 May Any topic relevant to ornithology 50 participants, and must be prepaid ($38. in New Zealand or the South Pacific per person, plus $15 bus fare if required) region will be considered. Talks should with your registration form. All but the The 1998 Conference and Annual be 15 minutes long, plus another five $8 permit administration fee will be General Meeting will be held in minutes for questions. Please send your refunded if the trip is cancelled. Please Wellington over Queen's Birthday offerings in with your registration form, indicate your second choice field trip on weekend, 28 May to 1 June 1998. The or contact Ralph Powlesland, Science and your registration form in case the trip is venue is the Airport Hotel in Kilbirnie, Research Division, Department of fully booked. and the agenda includes a full day of Conservation, PO. Box 10420,Wellington. scientific talks and presentations, and a Mana Island Scientific Reserve - This day and a half of field trips. Registration There will also be facilities provided is a rare opportunity for members outside forms are enclosed with this issue of for posters and displays if you wish to of Wellington to visit this very special island. Mice were eradicated from 217 OSNZ News and Notornis. present the results of your own research or branch surveys in this way. Please ha Mana Island in 1989/90, and over Pre-registration - your registration indicate if you wish to present a poster 220,000 trees and shrubs have been form, along with your registration fee on your registration form, so that we can planted to date as part of a and (if appropriate) a deposit towards ensure that space is available. comprehensive ecological restoration accommodation and field trips, should programme. Wellington OSNZ members be sent to the organising committee All day field trips - four different field trips are offered for Sunday 31 May, have been closely involved with before 18 March 1998. Accommodation monitoring bird populations there, cannot be guaranteed if a deposit is not although the Mana Island field trip will only run if a minimum of 20 people sign including Sooty Shearwaters and the received by 18 March. The field trips to recently reintroduced NZ Robins. Mana Kapiti Island, Mana Island and the Lake up for it. Alternative trips will be organised if weather conditions cause Island has the largest Takahe population Kohangatera shag colony will be limited outside of Fiordland, and is also the site to 50,30 and 10 people respectively, and cancellation of any or all of the island trips. All participants should be prepared for innovative experiments to attract so late registrants may miss out on their gannets and diving petrels to new preferred field trips. for wet and cold conditions, and have stout footwear if intending to visit the colonies beginning in November 1997. Travel arrangements - a free bus is islands. Early registration is The charter boat for this trip can take available from the airport to the Airport recommended for those wishing to visit 30 people, but we need a minimum of Hotel, with panels explaining the system Kapiti or Mana Islands. 20 participants to keep costs down. in the luggage pick-up areas. If you Prepayment of $25 per person (plus $12 require to be met from your arrival point, Wellington-Pictonreturn ferry trip - an opportunity to see the seabirds of bus fare if required) must be made with please give details on your registration your registration form, but will be form. Cook Strait in winter in the company of (at least one!) highly experienced guides. refunded if the trip is cancelled. Please Accommodation - participants from A wide variety of albatross and petrel indicate your second choice field trip on out of town will be accommodated at suecies is normally seen at this time of your registration form in case the trip is ~ar,gaaiciwnrsW~~ltrave~nna~raO~r_ail------the Airport Hotel and 747 Motel (see fully booked.. --- details on ihe r&eistratio*form).- ~h-~, and so there is effectively no limit Matiu Scientific Reserve and Motel is five minutes walk from the on numbers. Cost - $30.00 per person, ~ellin~ton~arbour&uise - Matiu/Somes Airport Hotel. Please make your own payable at the registration desk (but Island is a former quarantine station arrangements if these facilities/costs do please indicate on your registration form which has been opened to the public not meet your requirements. if this is your preferred or second choice (and managed solely for conservation Council and Regional for a field trip). Binoculars essential. purposes) since July 1995. Ship rats were Representatives' meeting - the OSNZ Kapiti Island Nature Reserve - many eradicated in 1989, and this island is an Council and RRs will meet from midday members were disappointed when the important regional breeding site for on Thursday 28 May and all day on Friday Kapiti Island field trip was cancelled due seabirds and coastal birds, including Blue 29 May, with a joint meeting on Thursday to bad weather during the 1996 AGM at Penguin, Spotted Shag, Variable evening and on Friday. Foxton Beach. We can't make any Oystercatcher and Reef Heron. Registration - the registration desk promises with the weather, but know that If enough people sign up for this trip, will be open from 3.00 pm on Friday 29 this trip will be popular. Those of your an extended harbour cruise is offered, May, and the desk will reopen between who have visited the island before may allowing close inspection of Mokopuna 8.30 and 9.00 am on Saturday 30 May. A be interested to see changes that have and MakarolWrard Islands, and the chance light meal can be provided between 6.00 occurred since the (as yet unconfirmed) of seeing a variety of seabirds and marine and 8.00 pm if required. rat eradication in September-October mammals. This extended trip plus a half Symposium on Wellington 1996. If successful, this will be by far the day on Matiu will cost $22 per person, ornithology - a symposium on largest island ever cleared of rats. Kapiti payable at the registration desk. There Wellington ornithology will be held on Island will be celebrating 100 years as a .will be a part refund if the harbour cruise Saturday morning. These papers will reserve in December 1997, and so is cancelled. describe the activities of the Wellington participants will have a chance to hear Wet weather options - The organising region of OSNZ, and set the scene for of the many conservation achievements committee will have a variety of bad the field trips on Sunday and Monday. on this island over the last century. weather options available, including visits Anticipated subjects include OSNZ Kapiti Island has a wonderful diversity to the new museum (Te Papa), behind involvement in the rat eradication on of native forest birds, and your the scenes at the natural history section Kapiti Island, ecological restoration on experienced guides will be able to tell of the museum, and a visit to the Karori Mana Island, the Karosi Wildlife Sanctuary you about OSNZ involvement in five Wildlife Sanctuary. Some of these are project, shag research in the Wellington minute bird counts, and Little Spotted offered as half day field trips on Monday region and the pilot bird distribution Kiwi, NZ Robin and Stitchbird 1June (see below). mapping scheme. This symposium will monitoring. Other threatened species on Half day field trips - four half day be advertised in community newspapers the island include Kaka, Saddleback, field trips are offered for the morning and open to members of the public. Takahe, Kokako and Brown Teal, though of Monday 1June. Please note that ifyou Contributed papers and posters - not all can be guaranteed on the field participate in the Black Shag or Matiu/ conference attendees are invited to trip. Somes Island field trips you should not submit titles for papers to be presented schedule your departure from Wellington before 2 pm. 2 OSNZNews - No.85 - December 1997 Karori Wildlife Sanctuary - this equipment etc. While this is intended Regrettably Paul Sagar submitted his exciting conservation initiative just five as an opportunity for members to trade resignation as South Island Vice-president minutes from downtown Wellington goods among themselves, any donations due to the pressures of work. Paul has proposes to enclose a 250 ha. catchment to Wellington branch funds would be always been a staunch worker for the with a predator-proof fence, and to gratefully received! Society and will still be active in many eradicate all introduced mammals from We are looking forward to seeing you of the local and national projects with the valley. Wellington OSNZ members in Wellington for the AGM. If the weather which he is still connected. Kerry-Jayne started baseline five-minute bird counts is kind we can guarantee you new and Wilson, also from Canterbury, and a here in October 1995 and will complete memorable ornithological experiences lecturer at Lincoln University, has agreed this first series of counts just after the - if not it will still be a great conference. to be co-opted into the role until the AGM. While it is hoped that fence next AGM. There will of course be construction will be underway before the elections for this position next year, to AGM, there is already a short prototype ORGANISING COMMITTEE cover the balance of Paul Sagar's term. section that will be shown to participants, 1998 Conference and AGM Kerry-Jayne, as one of her tasks, is plus a visitor centre explaining the entire wrestling with the final recommendations concept. from the publications review. Many Visit to Black Shag colony near Lake thanks to both Paul and Kerry-Jayne. Kohangatera, Pencarrow - this colony It was also with considerable regret consists of 35-40 pairs nesting in the tops that I was informed of the death of of karaka trees on the side of a steep Professor Brian Marples during October gully. During Queen's Birthday weekend, at the age of 90 years. Previously an many pairs will have nestlings, the oldest Honorary Life Member (1980), he being 3-4 weeks old. automatically became the first Fellow of This trip is restricted to ten people the Society last year. There is a good plus two guides and is dependant on summary of his activities in Notornis 27: suitable weather. It is a 30 minute walk 386-387. As the person who, sixty years to the colony, including ten minutes up ago, wrote to various ornithologists in a steep hillside - reasonable fitness is From the President's New Zealand suggesting the formation essential. The track is invariably muddy Desk of an ornithological society, he can be and exceptionally has involved some truly considered our founding mentor. wading! Gumboots are the most practical As I return to the Chathams after some I was fortunate enough to visit him footwear. Binoculars are essential and a rest and recreation on the mainland, and near Oxford in 1986 and had a fascinating telescope preferable. after another attempted sojourn attached day delving into medieval history of MatiulSomesIsland - see description by fish-hooks to the Pyramid, I have been England as we travelled to Tewkesbury above. Participants will be ashore for reflecting on the wind levels we have Abbey and back. Over a not about three hours, and return to Queen's experienced this year and the amazing inconsiderable amount of fine Scottish Wharf by 1.30 pm. Cost - $14.00, payable ability that some of our large seabirds fluid in the evening, some of the early at the registration desk. -display in expioiting windy conditions. history and personalities of the Society Te Last week I noticed that one of the came under review. However the most Papa - OurPlace -we are all looking Whitbread round-the-world race yachts telling ornithological observation was on forward to the opening of the new had managed to set a world record for the back of the loo door. Here, sheets national museum in early 1998. This will single hulled vessels of 449 nautical miles of cardboard (ex cereal packets) had been be the first opportunity for many in one day, while covering about 6,000 drawn into squares, and observation of members from elsewhere in the country nautical miles in 16 days. Across my desk the garden birds faithfully recorded each to see what their taxes have been spent recently were the satellite tracking day of the year to a standard observational on. records for an albatross that consistently sampling routine! Brian told me that they Other activities - the organising managed to average a minimum of 600 had been back in the house there for 20 committee is planning a variety of events nautical miles a day for about 24 days years after retiring to the UK, so the and activities during the evenings, (more than 14,000 nautical miles) on end. collection of cards would have made a including ornithological quizzes, a sales An amazing record, but one does wonder significant observational series. table and a photographic competition. when the bird had time to feed or sleep! One of the great monuments to Brian Photographic competition - members An interesting story when it appears next Marples in the OSNZ is the continuing are invited to enter colour or black and year. Classified Summarised Notes which white prints up to 25 x 20 cm suitable Abusy Council meeting in September record the small snippets which so easily for mounting on a display board. There found the Society in good heart, with a get forgotten or lost. Acollection of grains will be three categories: significant increase in membership of sand makes a beach. Equally, a - best New Zealand bird portrait throughout the year, which is most collection of small observations regularly - most bizarre or unusual New pleasing. I hope all members will made provides the foundation for Zealand bird photo welcome the newcomers and assist them determining the trends which are so in their pursuit of good bird study. It is important to determining the future - birdwatchers in action - humorous pleasing also to see such a good number management of many of ouibird species. snapshots of OSNZ members of student members joining who will, I It is possible that some form of replication Photographs are not required before hope, continue to broaden our of "peepings from the loo" needs to be the conference, but we ask members to knowledge of birds through some formalised at specific regional sites indicate whether they intend to enter innovative studies. The publications throughout the country to ensure that on the registration form. Please review needed some more work before a simple monitoring system follows the remember to write your name and region completion, so final decisions have been trends in our changing avifauna. Such a on the back of your photographs carried over until the conference developing database would be a fitting (maximum of three per entrant). Judging weekend next year. This will also ensure living memorial to the founder of the will take place on Saturday and winners that Council and RRs will jointly have Society. A more formal obituary will will be announced at the AGM dinner. the opportunity for full consideration of appear in Notornis in due course. Sales table - there will be an the final recommendations. The ornithological event of the year opportunity for members to offer for sale must go to the discovery of the small ornithological books, paintings, population of snipe onJacquemart Island

OSNZNews - No.85 - December 1997 31 in the Campbell Island group. Little Barrier Island - twelve birds 1989/90. Bella is not known to have Distinctively different taxa of snipe are (nine male and three female) are on Little attempted to breed during this 15 year found on the Snares, as well as Auckland Barrier Island. With the exception of two period. Maggie, without visiting the lek, and Antipodes Islands. The only way to males raised on the island in 1991, all produced two infertile, single egg land on Jacquemart is from the air. At have free-ranged there since being clutches in successive seasons some stage in the past the various New transferred from Stewart Island in 1982. immediately after commencement of Zealand snipe were probably better fliers Two of the females and four of the males supplementary feeding. No abundant than they are today. Perhaps this tiny are supplementary-fed. Predictably, masting plant which might serve as a population, like another of the Campbell supplementary food consumption is natural stimulus to breeding appears to Island rarities, the Campbell Island Teal, declining- with the onset of summer. As exist on Little Barrier. Thus, relocation is a remnant of a wave of immigration in previous years, attempts to train the to Codfish Island, where Kakapo have left isolated during the development of remaining female ("Jean") to accept bred twice in synchrony with the our interesting island species. It also supplementary foods were unsuccessful. infrequent masting of a dominant tree shows that wherever you go there is a Some bowl (=court) activity has been species (rimu) may well facilitate need to be prepared for the unexpected seen in recent weeks and six bowl systems breeding by these two - if in fact they - whether it be old or new. We look are currently active, but booming has not are still capable of doing so. Codfish offers forward with interest to more formal yet begun. Breeding last occurred on further advantages, in that the lek is closer details of the find. Little Barrier Island in 1995 with two tomost female home ranges and is more I suppose I must finish with the wind infertile clutches. accessible than that of Little Barrier. and climate generally El Nino conditions Maud Island - seven birds (four male For these two reasons too, the captive seem to be becoming quite prevalent and three female) are currently free- female "Hoki" from Maud Island was around various parts of the country and ranging on Maud Island. All are released in July 1997 to free-range on reflect the marked extremes which are supplementary-fed. As on Little Barrier Codfish Island. features of this type of climatic event. the level of supplementary food A previously unknown female Please be vigilant for unusual bird consumption is declining with the onset ("Solstice") was found in the south of behaviour, nesting or mortality. Some of of summer. Maud (and the Nelson- Stewart Island in June and transferred the effects may be delayed for even as Marlborough area generally) is currently to Codfish Island by members of an much as 1-2 years, but you should be experiencing severe drought conditions. expedition organised and led by Grant watching now, especially those who have Some bowl activity has been apparent Harper. Solstice was released directly studies which have been going for a to free-range and has not as yet accepted number of years. The beach patrollers since September. One male was recorded booming on the night of 19 November. supplementary foods. The possibility of should also be active after such long spells further individuals persisting in the vast of westerlies, and we may get some live From late November there has been considerable movement by both males scrub lands of southern Stewart Island Australian stragglers to add to the new cannot be discounted, making further species list. and females beyond normal home ranges. To date breeding is not known to have searches there a priority. Have an interesting birding summer, occurred on ~aud. Two Codfish Island males, believed and best wishes for the Festive Season. -Wlreaua-Ho~~~=Islandthirty .to-hefl~ate~t_~als=srbat_pduc~d= one birds (17 male - including three infertile clutches earlier this year, and C.J.R. ROBERTSON juveniles from the 1997 breeding season whose fertility is thus in question, were - and 14 female) are on Codfish Island. removed to a holding island in President September. The three juveniles raised this season are doing well. The two parent-raised Breeding - nine of the ten female Kakapo Update birds ("Manu" and "Tiwai") are now eight Kakapo present on Codfish Island in early months old and are approximately 2.4 1997 are believed to have visited the lek Fifty four Kakapo are known to survive - and 2.2 kg respectively, which is almost during February and to have mated. twenty females and thirty four males. a kilogram heavier than their mothers. Within eighteen days of mating, six of Apart from six hatched on islands, allhave Both are still within their natal home these birds had nested. The others been relocated since 1975 to offshore ranges and associating with their apparently did not nest. The six females islands to protect them from introduced mothers. The partially hand-reared laid a total of twelve eggs, of which seven mammalian predators. No natural juvenile ("Sirocco") has recently were fertile. All the eggs were left with population is known to remain. maintained a weight of 1.7-1.8 kg. His females (male Kakapo play no part in incubation or chick-rearing). Five eggs After an interval of five years, breeding respiratory condition as a nestling has left a legacy of slight wheeziness. hatched. One chick died immediately occurred this year on Codfish Island. The after hatching, and there were two early/ close-order management strategy and With the exception of one adult male mid-term dead embryos. techniques devised following the failed ("Ken") recovering from a transmitter nesting event on Codfish in 1992 - harness injury, all Kakapo on Codfish are Two of the four surviving nestlings involving support of nesting females free-ranging. Eleven of the 14 females wek left with their (supplementary-fed) through provision of supplementary and nine of the 17 males are mothers. The other two were removed foods, effective protection of nests from supplementary-fed. during the nestling stage for veterinary rats, and intensive monitoring of each care and hand-raising when ailments Six bowl systems have shown signs were detected. All four survived to nest - proved not only practicable, but of activity during the last few weeks but fledging age (c. 11 weeks) when one of crucial to successful breeding. Three booming has not yet been heard. chicks were raised - the greatest number the partially hand-raised chicks Holding island - four males to survive since 1981. This, together with ("Gromette") died. The necropsy report suspected of being infertile or of low the fact that no adult mortality is known by Professor Stockdale of Massey fertility are being held on an island off to have occurred for almost four years, University's Faculty of Veterinary Sciences southern Stewart Island. means that the remnant population has concluded that the cause of death increased slightly for the first time since Movements - two female Kakapo of stemmed from prolonged use of management began! unknown age ("Maggie" and "Bella") antibiotics (in particular Batryl). Without from Little Barrier Island were transferred such intervention however, death would During the 1997 winter five birds to Codfish Island in June. Both had free- have resulted anyway, for Gromette was were moved between islands and one ranged on Little Barrier Island since 1982 severely stunted as a result of chilling "new" female found. and had received food supplements since in the eggkarly nestling stage, as well

- December 1997 as underfeeding in the first two weeks treatment, including surgery in of life. Invercargill on a number of occasions. As occurred in the 1992 season, the Ken's management has broken new rimu mast crop failed - fruit did not ripen ground - it proves that mature, wild-raised and aborted - and as in 1992 it was Kakapo can adapt to captivity, and that apparent that non-supplementary-fed it is possible for birds to survive repeated females were stressed for food to such anaesthesia and frequent handling. Ken's an extent that they were unable to wound has now virtually healed, but his incubate effectively or to raise young. latest blood tests indicate that infection On average, non-supplementary-fed is not under control. females spent more than twice as much Don Merton recently compiled the time off the nest foraging each night than Kakapo passage for the latest volume of supplementary-fed females. It was HANZAB, which is the most therefore necessary to take Gromette comprehensive and up-to-date account from her (non-supplementary-fed) of Kakapo biology. Grant Harper (Kakapo mother at 12 days of age. Programme Officer, Codfish Island ) At c.23 days Sirocco developed resigned in August and his position has respiratory problems during a prolonged been filled by Mike Anderson, formerly cold wet spell and began to lose weight. Doc Stewart Island. Nadine Parker joined He responded to treatment and was the National Kakapo Team in October successfully hand-raised at Burwood on a two year contract to research aspects Bush. Sirocco was returned to Codfish of diet through analysis of cuticles from Island in early July and was released to droppings. Daryl Eason has been free-range there in late November. All seconded for two months to the Echo three young raised in 1997 were male - Parakeet recovery programme in the two chicks that died were female! Mauritius. Unless the cue(s) which trigger DON MERTON breeding in Kakapo can be identified and simulated, it is unlikely that breeding will occur again on Codfish Island until the next rimu masting season. Masting Kakapo Minders normally occurs at up to five yearly Wanted intervals. However there are indications that rimu masting may occur again in My Kakapo team colleagues and I are 1998. Graeme Elliott and Ros Cole have seeking volunteers to help monitor any Fairy Terns nest early recently assessed rimu fruit development Kakapo nests next season (late January and have found it to be similar to that - earlyJiine 1998) and wni~ldlike to invite of this time last year. On the evening of Sunday 2 Novenher applicat~onsfrom OSNZ members. 1997, David Wright, the Fairy Tern Diet and feeding regime - Nest-minders are expected to camp protection officer of the Department of investigations into the natural diet of (for two nights in every three) near their Conservation at Papakanui Spit Kakapo continue. Preliminary results allocated Kakapo nest in order to guard Stewardship Area (South Kaipara Head) from hormonal analysis indicate that eggs/chicks throughout the periods when telephoned me to say that he had located some key foods have unexpectedly high the female is off the nest feeding. Since a newly laid, two egg Fairy Tern nest. levels of oestrogenic activity. breeding occurred on Codfish Island last He rang again on the evening of Tuesday The year round ad lib feeding regime season, it would seem unlikely that 4 November to report yet another two which has been in place since 1993 was breeding will occur again for several egg nest, a few kilometres south of the discontinued in 1997. It has been years. However, there are indications that first nest. The news delighted me, but replaced by a regime intended to simulate the rimu is going to mast for a second surprised me also because Fairy Terns more closely natural cycles of food year in succession, so we must be usually begin to nest from the middle availability, through ad lib feeding during prepared for breeding. It's also likely that of November onwards. The earliest autumn and early winter, a reduction in one or two of the Little Barrier Island recorded nest in recent years was at the range and volume of foods in winter birds will nest this season. There are Mangawhai on 13 November 1995. and early spring (so as to encourage however no guarantees that there will On Friday 7 November my field foraging on natural foods as well as be any nest anywhere! observations of the second nest revealed greater mobilisation of body fat reserves) Nest minders need to be keen, that the periods of time that each bird and provision of a flush of food from reasonably fit (ie. able to carry a small incubated the nest were very short. Ten late spring. 12 v. battery up a steep, muddy track minutes was the minimum recorded time Following discussion with animal each day), willing to live in basic field between a changeover of the incubating nutritionists from Massey University and conditions, to stay awake most of the bird, ranging up to thirty minutes Profile Products (Auckland), it is night and to be available for a two week maximum. This is somewhat briefer than proposed during the coming year to period some time between late January the 58 minute average incubation period phase out the existing range of and early June! for females and 37 minute average for supplementary foods and replace them Anyone interested in volunteering males recorded by Richard Parrish and with a pelleted diet formulated specially their services as a Kakapo nest minder myself during a breeding biology study for Kakapo. This will make it possible should contact either Paul Jansen ('h. of the species in the 1993/94 season. to manipulate nutrient, vitamin, mineral (04) 471 3236) or Don Merton ((04) 471 Unfortunately horrendous westerly and hormonal intake, while further 3291) for further details. winds caused the desertion of one of the reducing organophosphate levels. nests on Sunday 9 November and the General - "Ken", the Codfish male other overnight on the same day. Two DON MERTON that suffered a severe injury to his wing of the deserted eggs have been taken to base in 1995, is making good progress. National Kakapo Team Martin Hill at Auckland Zoo for artificial Since January 1997 he has been held in incubation. captivity on Codfish while undergoing

OSNZNews - No.84 - September 1997 51 nine offspring to date. No other pair bred until 1996, when a brother and sister from the 1993 brood reared a single chick. Census checks failed to find the original Boobook after 1995, and as she was then at least 10 years old and probably considerably older, it seems likely that she has died. Consideration was given to the recapture of the Morepork, her mate, but,-in view of the lack of available males, that was not done, and in 1996 he mated with a female from the 1994 brood, one of his granddaughters, and reared two young. As the two young which fledged in 1995 have not been found subsequently, the known population at the end of 1996 comprised the Morepork plus nine adult and five juvenile hybrids.

JIM MOORE Fairy Terns - Photo courtesty NZ Herald

If the occurrence of early nests and bird is breeding at the site where it was the brief incubation periods are an conceived, rather than its natal home. Saddlebacks on indication of an abundant food supply, The Department of Conservation has Mokoia Island... then one would expect the renest interval gathered together a fine team to take care for these two pairito be less than twelve of shorebirds at Papakanui this summer. On 12 April 1992, 32 Saddlebacks were days, the shortest interval recorded to Jo Ritchie is the project manager, David released from Tiritiri Matangi Island onto date. Only time will tell. Wright the protection officer and an Mokoia Island in Lake Rotorua. Every care In 1990 Ray Pierce instigated a long outstandingly capable local resident, was made to help them settle in. Roosting term study of Fairy Terns, investigated Boyd Goodwin, is dealing to the boxes were hammered up for their plumage, longevity and population predators. Another pair of eyes out there convenience and about 200 nesting boxes dynamics. Ray began individually colour will be those of Sara Treadgold who is were provided for their nests. handing unfledged chicks in 1991. Since commencing her MSc on Fairy Terns. Of Jhug- Armstropy and..numero~> then all the chicks that we have known coursethere's t6F"OdWOSNZ volunteer! volunteers then monitored the about have fledged from either the Waipu Saddlebacks' progress to discover facts or ~an~awhaibreeding grounds, so GWENDA PULHAM about them when put in this situation, banding has been confined to these two and thereby make policies for projects east coast sites. One of the birds at the designed to protect our endangered nest I was observing on 7 November was birds. There is interest, too, in DNA colour banded, and this was the first Norfolk Is Boobook changes in birds breeding in isolated confirmed breeding of this bird. It is also communities. the first confirmed breeding of a banded bird on a west coast site. Surveys to determine the status of Norfolk Each bird is identified by colour bands. It takes a bit ofpractice to observe During the 1992/93breeding season Island's owl were sponsored by the Australian National Parks and Wildlife these combinations quickly, getting the I monitored Papakanui Spit as a left leg right when the bird is facing you volunteer, because budget constraints Service in 1985, 1986 and 1987. Penny Olsen, a raptor specialist from CSIRO, or looking away. And there is the problem had forced Auckland Doc to cease of distinguishing green from blue! fencing and wardening the area. The first led the 1986 and 1987surveys and found three nests I located were aLl lost to being only a single surviving bird, a female. Volunteers try to find and note the covered in sand in high winds or to With the assistance of DOC,two wild- territories of breeding pairs and locate flooding by high tides. So when I caught male Moreporks, the closest their nests. Once a month the nest boxes discovered a fourth nest, and with related owl, were taken to Norfolk Island are visited for this purpose. There are another round of high tides due in a few in September 1987 and released in the maps and sheets of directions to help days, the department verywisely decided national park. To offset the lack of natural you find them. It is rather like a treasure to translocate the two eggs to Mangawhai nesting holes caused by the logging of hunt. The chicks are banded and the nest Spit where a pair of Fairy Terns had been mature trees, some twenty owl nesting boxes cleaned out when the chicks have incubating a couple of obviously infertile boxes were erected. One of the fledged. Saddlebacks nest twice in a eggs for some 42 days (the usual time is Moreporks paired with the female summer. around 23 days). The translocation took Boobook, and after an unsuccessful It is sometimes necessary to move place on 5 January 1993,The Mangawhai breeding attempt in 1988, a brood of boxes around to persuade pairs to use pair continued to incubate for another two hybrids, both female, was raised in them. They also tend to want to find 13 days (55 days in total) and hatched 1989. A further two hybrids, a male and natural sites in hollow logs or on ledges and raised two fine chicks. a female, were reared in 1990, but all under dead black ponga fronds. It is a Sadly one chick has not been seen their subsequent breeding attempts thrill to find a natural nest. One feels since, but the other of these banded failed. The second Morepork disappeared one has outsmarted a smart bird. Natural chicks has been seen at Papakanui Spit at the end of 1988. nests are also beautifully made. However, for several summers now, and has in fact In 1993 the male hybrid paired with as hunting for natural nests takes a lot been the only banded bird to frequent a female from the 1989 brood and reared of time, it is considered better to move the breeding site during the breeding three young. This pair have reared two boxes and hope that the birds will use season. My observations confirm that this young each year since, raising a total of them. Natural nests are common now, I OSNZNews - No.85 - December 1997 and there are a lot of unbanded birds OSNZ greeting cards - packs of 10 with around. envelopes, one design (Fantail, Pied Stilt, Bellbird,Tomtit, Tui and Shining The project started with 36 birds and The Society would like to extend a very Cuckoo) $ 4.00 in the summer of 1995/96 there were warm welcome to the following new 164, not counting a few in isolated areas members: Packs of 10 with envelopes - parakeets it seems that Mokoia Island is a good $ 4.00 - New Zealand - Emily Sancha, Ted & place for them. Bev Hanifan, Gaylene Wright, William Mixed packs of 10 $ 4.00 Greenwood, Timothy Kastelle, Janet LEN BUCHANAN Vaughan, Margaret Wignall, Karen Baird, Ordering Alison Izatt, Denise Gillan, Jeanne Anne Jacob, Mandy Ridley, Clare Washington, Send orders to: OSNZ Sales, PO. Box ...and Motuara Island Paul Rose, Danny Ross, Bruce Newland, 12397,Wellington. All prices include GST Barry Donovan; Overseas - Dr Irvine B. and packaging. Orders must be Smith, Jean MacKenzie. accompanied by payment. Make cheques If you want to see South Island payable to Ornithological Society of NZ. Saddlebacks, then Motuara Island in the Overseas orders will be charged the same Marlborough Sounds is the place to go. price in US$ and will be charged for In fact it is the only place where the postage. They may be paid by Visa. general public can see South Island Donations to the Saddlebacks in the wild. Society In March 1993, 26 birds were DEREK BATCHELER transferred to the island from two of the Donations to the Society are gratefully OSNZ Sales Convenor Muttonbird Islands just off Oban, Stewart accepted. Many thanks to the following Island. Since then the original birds have people for their donations: steadily declined from eighteen in the Derrick & Linda Read, Mandy Ridley, first thorough count, then to eleven, and Bruce Newland, Kathleen Todd, Barry Tahiti Petrel - Alive at the last count just seven of those Hartley, Joy Soper, Ian Sutherland, Barry original birds were present. Friend, Mark Nee, Kim Sherelney, Hugh Though 1have seen a spirit specimen of However with two very good & Zoe Clifford, G.L. Don, Derek Onley, the Tahiti Petrel Pseudobulweria rostrata, breeding seasons we have managed to Ephra Garrett, Mary Craven, George a skull from the Musee d'histoire band eighteen new birds, and there are Chance, Dr E.J. Kirk, C.J. Foreman, naturelle in Paris, the study skin of a another nine birds yet to be banded. Margaret A. Fleming, Audrey Eagle, Laurie fledgling in Te Papa, the beach wreck These include two birds in adult plumage, & Alison Howell, David Pye, Paul &Joy from Dargaville and a skull from Gau which must be at least three years old. Sagar, M.A. Waller, WB. Messenger, Mary Island, Fiji, I had not seen a living member The majority are in the Jackbird plumage, McEwen, John & Stella Rowe, Anthea of this fascinating genus. Therefore the which means they are one or two years Goodwin, Barbara Walter, D.H. & E.L. chance to meet the Tahiti Petrel as an old. Although this Jackbird plumage is Booth, Colin Hill. aside during a holiday in French Polynesia considered a juvenile plumage, there are HAZEL HARTY was very tempting, and finally realised two Jackbird pairs on the island. in 1997. Membership Secretary One bird was seen with food in the Philippe Raust of the Societe bill, but we could not track down a nest d'ornithologie de Polynesie, in Papeete, with young in it. The other Jackbird pair gave me valuable information on where successfullyfledged a single young. The OSNZ Sale Items the Tahiti Petrel is known to occur in surprising thing about this pair is that Moorea, where Miriel and I were to stay they were banded together at the same for nine days. On 15 August I climbed mist net site on 23 September 1996within Books the track up Mt Rotui to about 600-700 ten metres of our camp and within about Chatham Islands Ornithology -A Tribute m. As Philippe had told me this was the two metres of where they nested. The to Sir Charles Fleming 1916-1987$15.00 season for departures of fledglings (July nest was found on 22 November with a 7be Black Robin - Saving the world's most to early October), if Tahiti Petrels were single egg, and was in an old tree stump endangered bird $18.00 breeding near the track I was ascending less than a metre above the ground. On there would be signs on the track of the about 12 December the chick hatched. Checklist of the Birds of New Zealand and the birds of Ross Dependency nocturnal activity of fledglings, such as shed down and excretions. The island is just 59 hectares, and at $10.00 present there are at least 34 South Island F$ty Ears of Bird Study in New Zealand I found sign at about 200 m. (two Saddlebacks on it. The current status of pieces of white down on a rock, wafting - an index to Notornis 1939-1989$10.00 the island is historic/scenic reserve, and in the breeze), then, at two places, the general public has ready access to it A Flying Start - Commemorating fifty excretions and down affected by the rain via a jetty. From here there is a twenty years of OSNZ $10.00 of two days before. Interesting that this minute walk up a track to Cook's Cairn The Atlas of Bird Distribution in New species seems to have white belly down and the observation tower. Along the way Zealand - without microfiches - most petrels' belly down is grey. there is a small water seepage, which has $15.00 with microfiches $25.00 Next, at about 400 m., I found been dug out to create a small bathing Beach Patrollers Guide to Stormcast excretions along 10 m. of the track, sure pool for the birds. The dominant Seabirds $ 7.00 sign of a burrow, with probably a well- Saddleback pair, which always fledges fed fledgling, nearby. This was easily at least two chicks, has this waterhole Birds of the Nelson Region and where to find them $10.00 found, a metre below, to the right of the within the territory. They are readily seen track. On putting my hand inside I was or heard nearby. Birdwatching in Hawkes Bay $ 6.00 greeted with the call - "aaooo-wheet-argh BILL CASH Miscellaneous is how I interpreted it, the middle part OSNZ Pied Stilt car stickers $ 3.00 a whistle, the final part harsh. Jim Jolly, during avisit in 1991, had aptly described OSNZ metal pin badges $ 5.50 the call as reminiscent of a high-pitched Tick sheets - pocket checklist of birds in version of a Blue Penguin's call. New Zealand $ 1.00

- OSNZNews - No.85 - December 1997 71 The bud was an adult in worn plumage with downy incubation patch; small, purplish cloaca; very well worn claws; by its rather small size and docile behaviour, probably a female. I took several photographs. While I held the bird in my day pack, I investigated the burrow further with a stick: there was another bird inside which grunted as I touched it, near the end, about a metre from the entrance. No down adhered to the stick, and the Gold's Petrel - note the black cap. Only bird felt firm to the touch, so it was mainly Stejneger's Petrel, of the similar-sized feathered rather than down-covered - as gadfly petrels which might be seen in I expected if it was a fledgling emerging New Zealand, has this feature. at night. I could not reach it, so I returned Photo: Hugh Clifford its parent to the burrow. Upon being reunited the adult called again and the presumed fledgling grunted. My impressions of this species and genus were that it was as like Procellaria and as unlike Pterdodroma as I expected (Imber 1985,Ibis 127:197-229). It certainly warrants a distinct genus, but several aspects of its behaviour - eg. the adult calling form the burrow, the chickgrunting Artificial nest box for Gould's Petrel in the burrow, the docile nature, and Photo: Hugh Clifford reported similarities of behaviour at sea - are very like Procellaria. The actual call, Wedge-tailed Shearwaters are a and by controlling the numbers of Pied given in flight also, is quite distinctive, common nesting bird on the island. Currawongs. however. Photo: Hugh Clifford MIKE IMBER Another approach to enhancing population recovery has been the development of an artificial nest box. This in soil, uses natural cavities, mainly in was done to provide additional nest sites rock scree, but also in hollow palm logs Ten Days with Gouldgs which were secure from predators, and under fallen palm fronds. protected from bad weather, and which Petrel In earlier studies, the population reduced the chances of egg breakage or visiting the breeding-co_lonyywa~ _ I___ __ ------loss fcomlthe. nest.+These ,plastic .%st - Gould's Petrel breeds only on cabbag; - estimated to have declined from about boxes, which form only a small Tree Island, which is located about 1.4 2,000 in 1970 to about 1,500 in 1992. proportion of about 800 nesting sites, km off Port Stephens on the NSW coast, Breeding success was considered to be have been fairly readily accepted. If only about 200 km north of Sydney. This low. Astudy of losses of adults and chicks all of the birds were in artificial nest boxes sukspecies is the subject of long-term at the colony identified two important how easy it would be to monitor them! studies and a recovery programme by the causes. One was entanglement is the Gould's Petrel is a handsome small New South Wales National Parks and sticky fruits of the bird-lime tree (Pisonia petrel and I feel privileged to have been Wildlife Service. I was fortunate enough urnbellifera), which fall to the ground able to work with them for a short time. to spend ten days working as a volunteer when ripe and retain their stickiness What chance have we of seeing birds from on the project in December 1996. for months. Adults coming and going Cabbage Tree Island around New Cabbage Tree Island is about 26 ha. during chick feeding brush against them Zealand?Not much, it would seem. Beach in area, and its name derives from the and become incapable of flying. The patrollers have reported Gould's Petrels cabbage tree palm (Livistona australis) same thing happens to chicks when they washed ashore on a few occasions, but which is common in the two main gullies start moving about before fledging. these have generally been considered to where this petrel nests. The island is The other important cause of adult be representatives of the closely related designated the John Gould Nature mortality at the breeding colony was subspecies caledonica, which breeds on Reserve, and access is strictly controlled. predation by the Pied Currawong. The the main mountain range of New While I was there we worked each currawongs are members of the same Caledonia. night, catching and banding adults. During family as Australian magpies and HUGH CLIFFORD the day we extracted incubating adults butcherbirds. Though they are from designated study nests and weighed omnivorous, they are not well equipped them daily. This was to determine lengths to hold and dismember large prey. of incubation spells and daily weight loss However it was found that the Pied Currawong searched among the fallen - parents take turns incubating. We also Petrel Bibliography set up study plots to monitor vegetation palm fronds for incubating adults which changes which were expected to occur were under the fronds or in shallow rock after a planned rabbit eradication.We used crevices. Afully keyworded listing of 12,830papers spare time for weed control. The work After killing this prey the currawongs and books entitled A Provisional being done while I was there was only a had an ingenious method of holding it Bibliography of the Procellariformes or small part of very extensive studies carried while they removed the entrails and flesh Petrels is now in the Internet at http:// out during that breeding season. to feed to their chicks. They jammed www.zool.canterbury.ac.nz/jwbibpl.htm. Gould's Petrel comes ashore for the petrel into a crevice on a fallen tree It is in ASCII format and intended to breeding during October to April, and trunk to hold it, while they tore it apart. be downloaded into users' PCs for migrates to the eastern tropical Pacific for Losses from these causes were searching by their own systems. The work the rest of the year. It is a cavity nesting subsequently reduced by killing bird- covers published material from Aristotle bird, which rather than digging burrows lime trees in the areas used by the petrels to 1995 inclusive.

(X2~ew.s - No.85 - December 1997 In due course a revised version will Angus Small - possible cause(s) for Andrew Love - wading birds and incorporate some of the estimated 4,000 low reproductive success of Takahe on heron feeding patterns and distribution citations evidently with data on petrels offshore islands of New Zealand. within the Avon-Heathcote Estuary but not yet seen by me. These will be PhD degree PhD degree listed in a "Wants" file at the above address. The finished version will also Jacqueline Beggs - the impact of Erica Abelen - courtship behaviour include indexes tying each keyword to introduced Vespula wasps on the and breeding success in female-female pairings in the Red-billed Gull, Kaikoura all the citations bearing that keyword - honeydew beech forest community, in the style of the ZoologicalRecord. The Nelson Lakes National Park Massey University - Department of bibliography is available without charge Richard Cuthbert - breeding biology Ecology, Professor D.M. Lambert. (by me anyway). of Hutton's Shearwater. Seaward Masters degree Kaikoura Mountains D. Adams - stress minimisation in JOHN WARHAM Christine Hunter - population ecology captively managed Kiwi, Massey of Sooty Shearwaters - South Island and Zoology Department Stewart Island offshore breeding colonies R. Berry - release of captive reared Kaka on Kapiti Island University of Canterbury Martyn Kennedy - behaviour and A. Dale - predator-prey dynamics in EB. 4800, Christchurch phylogeny of New Zealand waterfowl and Te Urewera National Park email - shags [email protected] Jane Kitson - harvest of Titi R. Davidson - simulating the meta- (muttonbirds) by Rakiura Maori - harvest population dynamics of a reintroduced methods and impacts, katiakitanga, species, Massey matauranga Maori and ecological science. J. Ewen - breeding biology and Stewart Island and Foveaux Strait islands management of Hihi (Stitchbirds) on University Bird Philip Lyver - identifying and Tiritiri Matangi Island Studies monitoring impacts of mainland and K. Kesha - the biology of the New island colonies of Sooty Shearwaters for Zealand Falcon, Rotorua region their long-term conservation and The following is a list of bird studies being W Ma - genetic studies of New harvesting, Otago coastline and Zealand robins, Massey conducted by students in New Zealand's nearshore islands. universities,with the exception of Victoria K. McNutt - pollination and dispersal University of Wellington, which did not Simon McDonald - wildlife of lowland plants, Kapiti Island and respond. The list was compiled by Euan parasitology - Yellow-eyed Penguins and Horowhenua Young, with the Society's thanks, and is other NZ native species D. Ravine - impact of farm current to September 1997. Lincoln University - Department of management practices on kiwi University of Otago - Department Entomology and Animal Ecology, Dr R.R. conservation in marginal Taranaki of Zoology, Professor C.R. Townsend. Scott. farmland Diploma in Wildlife Management Masters degree B. Stephenson - ecology of Moreporks Cees Bevers - investigating the effects Jonathon Banks - territory use and in New Zealand, Mokoia Island of radio transmitters on chicken chicks factors affecting breeding success of S. Treadgold - breeding biology of (Callus domesticus) as an experimental South Island Pied Oystercatchers in the Fairy Tern in Northland surrogate for endangered ~akahechicks. riparian and pastoral habitat, Ashburton T. Ward-Smith - kiwi response to a area Bruce McKinlay - management plan range of non-toxic baits, Lake for Yellow-eyed Penguin. Philippa Gardner - conservation Waikaremoana biology of Chatham Petrels, Rangatira M. Welch - corticosterone response Mohoko Numata - effects of Island philopatry on the outcome of to stress capture and handling, and translocating endangered seabirds. Mark Jarrett - impact of foraging at translocation in Blackbirds, Massey rubbish dumps on health and body PhD degree Masters degree condition of Kea, Arthurs Pass Angela Bell - interspecific aggression J. Ashton - the evolution of the Nigel Watkins - bird damage in nestling period in birds, Hawkes Bay by Australian Magpies. vineyards, Canterbury Petrina Duncan - habitat selection in G. Blackwell - predator-preydynamics Nicolette Was - Broad-billed Prion and in Te Urewera National Park a remnant population of the South Island Chatharn Petrel burrow competition and Robin, SilverstreamValley, Flagstaff Hill, other aspects of prion ecology, Rangatira I? Ritchie - genetics of extinct and Dunedin. Island ancient Adelie Penguins, Antarctica and Christina Houghton - behavioural Massey PhD degree ecology of predatory birds at Macraes Frances Schmechel - habitat use and University of Waikato - Department Flat, Otago (Australasian Harrier, NZ breeding biology of Chatham Island of Biological Sciences, Dr J. Waas. Falcon, Australian Magpie) Oystercatchers, main Chatham Island Masters degree Joshua Kemp - production, dispersal Amanda Freeman - the importance A. Eagles -effects of acoustic and visual and social behaviour of Kea in Nelson of fisheries waste in the diet of Westland disturbance on the behaviour of Blue Lakes National Park Petrels, Punakaiki Penguins, Tiritiri Matangi and Whale Martin Renner - parental investment University of Canterbury - Islands, Banks Peninsula and paternity in Blue Penguins. Department of Zoology, Professor M.J. Q. Hudson - song, fluctuating Ross Sinclair - the behaviour, ecology Winterbourn. asymmetries and population genetics of and conservation of three species of Masters degree the Kokako, Mapara, Te Urewera, megapode in Papua New Guinea (New Rotoehu Guinea Megapode Megapodius affinis, Patricia Denholm - a temporal and J. McLeod - the structure of Kokako Brown-collared Talegala Talegala spatial analysis of the invertebrate fauna duets in male-male versus female-female jobiensis, Wattle Brush Turkey associated with the deserted nests of the alliances, Mapara, Te Urewera, Rotoehu Aepypodius arfakianus), Crater Mount Red-billed Gull, Kaikoura Biological Research Station, PNG

OSNZNews - No.85 - December 1997 9 G. Reynolds - habitat selection and in moderation are a table delicacy, but August and September are the "cool" behavioural responses to disturbance in we got terribly tired of them." season (25-30" by day, 15" at night). the New Zealand Dabchick, Rotorua lakes Dry, with low humidity- perfect weather! October is a bit warmer. There are not J-L Slater - social facilitation in begging submitted by C.J.R. ROBERTSON calls in Zebra Finches, Hamilton many bugs or flies at this time of year. PhD degree Wader study experience is not necessary, just a willingness to learn and L. Hartley - colour perception and Questar for sale have a good time with great people from preferences of native New Zealand birds, around the world. Pureora, Kapiti Island, Hamilton For full details on cost etc, contact University of Auckland - School of The world's finest optics give this Questar 3.5 inch telescope unexcelled resolution Adrian Riegen ph/fax (09) 814 9741, or Biological Sciences, Professor A.R. Clive Minton at 165 Dalgetty Road, Bellamy. and contrast for terrestrial and astronomical use. With leather case, solar Beaumaris, Vic. 3193, Australia, ph/fax Masters degree filter, legs for tri-mount, two eyepieces 0061 (3) 9589 4901, or email Michelle Green - spatial and temporal (16mm and 24mm). Will mount on car [email protected] use of foraging and breeding habitat by for field use or tripod. Magnifications of North Island Saddlebacks, Tiritiri Matangi 40x, 80x and l6Ox - $2,000. Questar ADRIAN RIEGEN Island rotating coupling adaptor (telescope to Emma Ross - population and camera) $230. Questar PowerGuide I1 conservation biology of the Common 9v motor drive (for astronomical Diving Petrel, Tiritiri Matangi Island observation) $780. For details call (03) Rosalie Stamp - factors influencing 364 2025 (work) or (03) 332 4806 after 8 pm. breeding success and parental care The Australian patterns of North Island Saddlebacks, Tiritiri Matangi Island Threatened Bird Network University of Auckland - School of Marine and ~nvironmentalSciences, Dr M.C. Clout NW Australia Wader Do you like seeing birds in Australia? Then Expedition what about doing something useful to Masters degree help some of them? On your next trip Christina Gibbons -birds as dispersers Tired of holidays at the beach and across the Tasman you could maybe of weeds, Wenderholm Regional Park unreliable weather? Want a holiday with arrange to spend some time as a James Haw - ecology and diet of a difference?Then Clive Minton is waiting volunteer with the Threatened Bird Moreporks, Pureora Forest for your call. Just be willing to spend Network, which is run by Birds Australia Oliver Overdyck - behaviour of two weeks to three glorious months (formerly the RAOU). I spent 10 days in December 1996 working with Gould's PhD degree west Australia during August, September issue). Astrid Dijkgraaf - phenology of bird- and October 1998. I have nothing but praise for the dispersed and bird-pollinated native extremely prompt and efficient way my plants, Auckland region North-west Australia is one of the prime locations in the world for waders. application was handled by Birds Rosemary Barraclough - effects of It has a peak population of nearly 750,000 Australia and by the New South Wales mainland island management on fauna waders of 50 species. Special expeditions National Parks and Wildlife Service. and flora of Te Urewera National Park have taken place over the years, the last Taking 1997 as an example, eighteen being on March /April 1996, when 8,135 species are listed in the Threatened Bird waders of 29 species and 357 terns of Network, with a range of volunteer seven species were caught and banded. activities available. These depend on the Kaka Pie Between 1981 and 1996,51,900new and species, but include things such as retrapped birds were caught. counting, monitoring breeding colonies, While searching in the Hocken Library, The objectives of the 1998 expedition banding, planting, weed control. The the following snippet was found in the are to catch and band waders of many involvement possible depends on each autobiography of Mrs James Fulton (nee species, also to count and monitor the programme, but can be as little as one Catherine Henrietta Elliot Valpy) (Hocken inward migration. Bush Point on Roebuck day, or for longer periods, or at intervals Mss.846). Bay will be counted at least once. It is over a whole year. "In about the year 1860 we were for the largest single high tide roost For more information, contact: several days invaded by a vast flock of (100,000) for waders on the flyway, and Kakas (Forbury, Dunedin). They must is under threat from diamond have been starved inland because the exploration. Michael Fendley birds arrived in great numbers and pulled Rest days? Yes, there will be some. Birds Australia our grain sacks to pieces. They used to On such days most people still like to 415 Riversdale Road sit in a close row along the ridge board do something active, with passerine mist- Hawthorn East of our barn. To attack them, a man netting proving the most popular. This Vic. 3123, Australia. standing on one side of the building is a wonderful opportunity to see some would throw a stick up one slope of the of Australia's lovely bush birds up close. roof to knock over the birds. The stick Broome Bird Observatory now has 299 HUGH CLIFFORD would then be thrown back again by a species on its bird list. Number 300 is man on the other side. In that way many just waiting for you. Or relax and swim birds were killed, besides many others at Cable Beach - the finest beach in that were shot. People came out from Australia? town and took away sacks of them. Fortunately after a week or so the birds left us to look for food elsewhere. Kakas

10 OSNZNews - No.85 - December 1997 Fiordland Crested Penguins As Department of Conservation Both the Animal Health Board and the - part of an on-going study, mid breeding Te Papa Atawhai Department are funding on-going research investigating effective bird season nest checks at three colonies along repellants, alternative baits and control the coastline near Haast have been methods and the impacts of these on completed. Results were higher than wildlife. expected, with over 90%of the monitored At Waipapa, where possums and rats nests at two colonies producing at least Saddlebacks - In August Mike McGlynn one chick. The other colony was a and Richard Parrish went to Tiritiri are being controlled through use of brodifacoum, two Robins have been disaster, with only one adult still Matangi Island to capture North Island incubating an egg. This was down from Saddlebacks for transfer to Moturoa tested for brodifacoum residues using a high resolution method 20 nests counted during August, and two Island in the Bay of Islands. 27 unbanded run by Landcare. No residues were detected. The weeks prior to this count eight nests were birds were caught from roost boxes and still occupied. in mist nets. All banded birds were left population has increased since on Tiritiri Matangi. management began. A few further Robins The reasons for such a dramatic will be sampled in future years to increase decline at this site are as yet unknown. Moturoa Island occupies 157 ha. in our confidence levels. The weather has been warm and mild, area, is privately owned, and promotes the adults at the nest site looked in an active conservation programme. Waikaremoana Kiwi At this stage excellent condition and there was no Accomplishments to date include a - ten males are incubating a bunch of eggs. obvious sign of predation of chicks or successful stoat and rat eradication eggs. The colony is adjacent to a high project (1994), the creation of several Things are a little later than last season but all looks to be shaping up for a use walking track, and the Fiordland Brown Teal ponds, the retirement of 50 Crested Penguin is the main focus of the ha. of regenerating coastal forest and the bumper hatch. We have caught five stoats and increased the number of traps. Rats walk at this time of the year, but there is planting of over 35,000 native trees and nothing to suggest that this is a causal shrubs. and mice are tracking very low, and we are waiting in anticipation for the hatch factor. The island supports established of the kiwi chicks and arrival of the enemy populations of introduced North Island The two chicks reared at Westhore Rabbits and river birds - Landcare Brown Kiwi and Brown Teal. The owners Research and DOC are working together provided lots of nest and roost boxes Wildlife Refuge by Tony Billing have been released back on to the peninsula. on a research programme looking at how for the Saddlebacks prior to release, and reductions in rabbit numbers indirectly will be monitoring the birds with the affect predation rates on native fauna, assistance of Mike McGlynn. Waitangi iwi Diving petrels - Graeme Taylor has and the invasion rates ofweeds. The work were present for the release. spent a few days in New Plymouth is highly topical because of the recent recently to assess the breeding status of introduction of RCD, and concerns that Robins and Tomtits - Last year Ralph diving petrels on Saddleback Island in predators which currently rely on rabbits Powlesland and his team monitored the Sugar Loaf islands group. This is in will be forced to concentrate their diet North Island Robin survival through a preparation for a transfer of near-fledged on native fauna. This research builds on regional council aerial 1080 carrot chicks and non-breeding adults to Mana 'ecent data gathered by Doc, Twizel, that operation in Pureora Forest. Almost 55% Island in an attempt to establish a showed increases in predation of Banded of the monitored Robins were lost. A population of diving petrels there. The Dotterel nests after a rabbit poisoning report found that the screening of carrot birds were not as advanced as Graeme operation. "chaff" was not up to standard and this had anticipated, delaying the transfer until December. The project is centred in the may have caused the unexpectedly large Mackenzie Basin and uses predation of number of deaths. Successful breeding dotterel eggs as an easy-to-measure by the remaining pairs more than made Kapiti Island - The weekend of 19- indicator of the effects of changes in rabbit up for the loss, and in a nearby non- 21 September saw 22 people descend numbers. We have chosen five 7 km long treatment area breeding success was very on the island fo.r a comprehensive survey study sites in the Tekapo, Pukaki, Ohau poor. of the Kokako population. Teams of two and Ahuriri Rivers. Landcare Research This year monitoring was repeated found a total of 15 birds, one of which staff are monitoring rabbits and at Titiraupenga with both Robins and had not been seen since release on the predators, while two ornithologists, Tomtits. John Mason and the staff of island in 1994. Most of the birds were Andrew Crossland and Scott Butcher, are concentrated in the three central Pureora Field Centre monitored carrot monitoring dotterel nests. At the same catchments dominated by tawakinaulrata "chaff" levels in Environment Waikato's time Elaine Murphy, Belinda Studholme forest, and it appears that the island has operation and the bait was some of the and Philippa Gardner are examining the best they'd seen. Of 33 banded Robins, between four and six male-female pairs effects of rabbit and predator control on four went missing within days of the aerial and one or two male-male pairs. The Wrybills and Black-fronted Terns on some operation, while all 42 in the non- population has never had this number of the same study sites. In addition Andrea of pairs in its six year history, so hopefully treatment area survived. However only Byrom will be studying ecological factors three of the 14 Tomtits in the treatment it will be a productive breeding season. that trigger dispersal and settlement of area survived. This season, Takahe have nested early, juvenile ferrets, and the foraging patterns It is too early to be certain what the with one pair laying in the last week of of ferrets in relation to monitored dotterel long term impacts on the Tomtit August. The juvenile male and his two nests. population will he but Tomtits are prolific female minders at the south end are still RCD is apparently killing rabbits on breeders and where repeated 1080 trotting around together, but are showing some of our study sites. DOC is therefore operations have occurred in the past no signs of breeding activity. required to carry out their RCD Tomtits are still common. Monitoring will The first anniversary of the poison Contingency Plan to protect endangered occur over the next 12 months to drop to eradicate rats has passed. The birds from possible prey-switching by determine how long it takes the Tomtit signs are looking good, with plentiful killing and trapping predators. population to recover. bird song and uneaten fruit on the Researchers and managers are working Ralph intends to repeat this ground. Large numbers of slugs on tree closely to minimise unwanted outcomes monitoring with Robins and Tomtits trunks in the predawn hours are for the research. during an aerial cereal bait operation. something on a novelty on Kapiti and further evidence of a good operation.

OSNZNews No.85 - December 19- Conservation at how to undertake mapping squares under Peacock Springs Tony Beauchamp's direction, until the weather cleared and made for a most interesting day. We are very fortunate in Christchurch to have access to the Peacock Springs Beach patrols on the east and west reserve at Harewood. In 1965 Sir Neill coasts are continuing as usual, with good and Lady Isaac commenced quarrying numbers of people participating. More their original 50 acres of gorse-covered species and higher numbers of birds are wasteland for shingle, which they being found as Buller's and Sooty gradually increased to 610 acres. The Shearwaters return from their migration. resolve was to simultaneouslyrestore the The newly created scrape at Peacock A very exciting recovery on 11 October quarry, much ofwhich has been achieved, Springs, with Black-billed Gulls. on the west coast was an albatross as evidenced by the many island-studded Shore Plovers are being captive-bred skeleton with a metal band from the ponds and waterways, surrounded by in the enclosure at rear. British Museum on the leg. We are eagerly trees and shrubs. These provide excellent Photo: Don Hadden awaiting a reply from the Banding Office. cover for nesting waterbirds. Connecting David Crockett has been working on the streams flow from one pond to another, Taiko project on Chatham Island during eventually discharging into the do not nest on the nearby lower October, when five unbanded birds were Waimakariri River. Waimakariri, probably as a result of large banded and had transmitters attached. In the late 1960s a family of orphaned colonies of Black-backed Gulls which About 30 Cattle Egrets have been seen NZ Scaup ducklings was presented to occupy much of the riverbed. in two different flocks, both lots being Lady Isaac for her care, which provided The terns and gulls chose this site fairly highly coloured. The Fairy Terns the nucleus of an ever-expanding number despite heavy machinery engaged in in the Waipu and Mangawhai areas are of this species. Their successful breeding, shingle extraction in one corner of the being constantly monitored by a few and that of Australian Coots, is ponds.. If they return next year it is hoped dedicated members and DOC staff. undoubtedly greatly enhanced by that local members will make a more Nesting Caspian Terns, Variable efficient control of predators such as detailed study, including feeding and care Oystercatchers and New Zealand stoats. Over the years many other exotic of chicks and interaction with other Dotterels are also at Mangawhai. species have been introduced, such as species. By this time Black Stilts will have Members are looking forward to the Cape Barren Geese, Mute and Black been introduced into a large enclosure WhangareiKaipara Harbours census in Swans, Chinese Geese and Peafowl. Emus as part of the captive breeding mid November and the Far North surveys and various exotic animals roam the programme. in late November. To round off activities grasslands of their extensive enclosures, There are plans for further acquisition for 1997we are going to refine techniques the principle aim of the whole enterprise of land at Peacock Spring.. and more ideas learnt from Tony for mapping squares being to teach conservation to children. for conservation of endangered and for birds, before our annual end of year In 1977 a trust was established to threatened soecies. Native forest barbecue. --a110 w- _t_h e re serve- _t-o-sggGe>e>~ _-p&tations_aye-p&gnSed, &orclel to -__,-ds2-. ...,cr.A. -- L-(Janet Snell) - perpetuity. In order to finance the provlde habitat for ~om; ofourrare forest venture, piofits from shingle extraction birds. Auckland and breeding of salmon were used. In I wish to thank Lady Isaac and her the 1980s Sir Neill became a trustee of staff for their support in conducting our Recent meetings have been well attended, the World-wide Fund for Nature. Sadly monthly counts of scaup and coots in response to some exceptional speakers he died in 1987, leaving Lady Isaac to during the past few years, and also for and presentations, and in spite of threats carry on the good work. allowing me to monitor the new colonies to our historical associationwith Auckland Recently the Department of of terns and gulls. We are very pleased Museum as a venue. Alan Tennyson Conservation has sought the help of that Lady Isaac is a member of the Society delivered an outstanding and well Peacock Springs Wildlife Trust in order and takes a keen interest in our work. illustrated presentation on Pitt Island in the Chathams. How bird numbers have to captive-breed endangered Shore SHEILA PETCH Plovers for release on Motuora Island. declined, even in such remote places, is It is a testament to the success of the a depressing business, although there are scheme that nine captive-bredbirds were some remarkable exceptions, such as the released onto the island this year. It is success of the Broad-billed Prion. hoped that Blue Ducks, Brown Kiwi, Regional Roundup Tim Lovegrove spoke of his Orange-fronted Parakeets and Tuatara adventures in Mauritius and the attempts will also be encouraged to breed. to save the Pink Pigeons and their Canterbury Mudfish breed in one of the Northland indigenous Ring-necked Parakeet. Gerald lakes and are released into the wild. Durrell would have been proud of the Recently a further 60 acres of land Meetings of the Northland branch have innovation, humour and successes was acquired by the Trust. High quality been well attended. We have had slides achieved by Tim and the international shingle has been and still is being of the Kermadec Islands which were team of conservation workers. extracted, forming a vast depression 40 especially relevant since one of our Gwenda Pulham spoke of terns, metres deep. Again there is abundant members is now over there, working for mainly Fairy Terns, that she and others pure water and a clear stream runs on DOC for a year. We have also seen a new have been studying in the Kaipara and one side, forming shallow ponds and an DOCvideo on the New Zealand Dotterel eastern beaches to the north of our ideal habitat for wading birds. and one on the Kokako. region. The terns seem to be progressing Very quickly birds took advantage of Banding Silvereyes feeding in the moderately well and have attracted media this; Banded Dotterels, South Island Pied kiwikuit orchard was continued this year, interest which one hopes will contribute Oystercatchers, NZ Scaup, Paradise under the guidance of Ray Pierce. One to their success. Shelducks, Pukeko, Pied Stilts and Spur- calm sunny morning we were treated Field activities include the beach winged Plovers all nest successfully. A to the sight of 17 Tui all bouncing about patrols on Muriwai where, after a very small colony of Black-fronted Terns took in the flowering kowhai tree and Chinese quiet winter, bird numbers have been up residence and, this season, Black- lantern bushes nearby. Six hardy souls increasing. One of the attractions of beach billed Gulls nested. The latter two species gathered in inclement weather to learn patrolling is the possibility of finding a 1 OSNZNews - No.85 - December 1997 banded bird. This year we have found a The recently released Kokako were A black Fantail was seen by the Piako wrecked Caspian Tern that was banded very quiet and secretive - a fleeting River south of Waitoa on 10 May. on the Kaipara as a juvenile over the glimpse was the only view had. However, Numerous Tui were found feeding on January summer camp. a long-time resident Weka was seen and kowhai at Raglan Beach on 16 September. Chris Bindon has taken teams to still survives, causing many birds great The first Shining Cuckoo was heard in Motuora Island to help with the re- alarm as it moved through the Hamilton on 17 September, and a single afforestationprogramme and to keep tabs undergrowth. The 17minute return trip Rook was sighted at Roto-o-rangi in on the Shore Plovers. Mike Graham takes provided a good view of a large number September. Cattle Egrets were counted a team of 16 members out to Tiritiri of Fluttering Shearwaters. in August, with 180 at Rangiriri and 36 Matangi Island for the biannual survey - Recent reports of Kaka moving at Lake Ngaroto. a project now into its 11th year. through the South Auckland area are 1n ~ugust&e were brought up to date The Shining Cuckoos reached us in encouraging and continue to delight both with the lives of North Island Robins at two waves, the first around 15 September local residents and avid birders. More Pureora by Jaap Knegtmans, who and the second about ten days later. John reports of Bellbirds around the Hunua described the three species of robin Dowding reported the first New Zealand Ranges suggests that this species is doing found in New Zealand, and Fiona Dotterel's nest on 27 August, and Kaka well and has probably benefited from Bancroft, who told us about how the team arrived in Cornwall Park on 27 the reduction in pests with the aid of worked with the robins, how territories September. They were still there in early 1080 in the past season or two. were located and mapped and how they November. The discovery of two New Zealand trained birds to take meal worms and Dotterel breeding sites not previously respond to tapping by observers. Fiona At Mangere, Ray Clough reported 46 also described means of capture for spoonbills at peak season, and we have known near Auckland city boundaries has sparked some new interest of late. banding, before going on to tell us about many records now of a similar number the robins' courtship and behaviours of Rainbow Lorikeets living in the Both sites are about a kilometre inland, allowing for easy access and observations. throughout the breeding season. Ralph Northcote region. The birds are aviary Powlesland rounded off the evening by releases and have been establishing A flock of 12 Royal Spoonbills has explaining the predator control themselves in the wild over the past few been sighted recently at Port Waikato; programmes and comparing results with years. also a Little Tern, this species not having a non-controlled area. been recorded previously from this area. (Mike Graham) In September we were treated to The arrival at Miranda of a Black-billed another look at the animals and birds Gull banded during the Kaipara field South Auckland of South Africa, when Kim King showed study course (one of only five birds) has slides of her trip through Kruger National Despite the early start for the Firth of added some valuable data to our study, Thames census, there was still a good Park. We then went to the other extreme and we look forward to the coming in October, when Hugh Clifford showed turnout and all areas were covered. On breeding season. an amazing variety of birds and a glorious fine day, the godwit and knot Monthly beach patrols have landscapes in Iceland. population seemed to be concentrated continued, with a steady stream of on two main roosts at opposite corners A weekend in Pureora was enjoyed wrecks. There was a larger than usual by a small group who saw the robin team of the Firth. Numbers of godwits and number of diving petrels picked up in knots were down on previous years' at work, and were also treated to sightings August (18), and in September there were of other bush birds, including Kokako. figures, though it appears the godwits the expected Kerguelen and Cape Petrels, might have had a good breeding season, Only the brave ventured to Port Waikato with Sooty Shearwaters being the top for another weekend in October, to view as there were many juveniles easily November wreck. distinguished among the flocks. shorebirds. Evening meetings have included (Bev Woolley) Paul Rose had the find of the day with expert tuition on how to read and record two Arctic Skuas - no doubt the increase map coordinates, five minute bird count of White-fronted Terns in the Firth techniques, as well as instructions on Bay of Plenty brought them closer to land. They have recording moult, compliments of David A fine winter day was well attended been seen flying over the shellbanks in Lawrie and Tony Habraken. In October, recent years. in July for a visit to Matata Lagoons and Pam and Des Agnew showed slides of a the Tarawera and Rangitaiki rivermouths Bitterns are also being sighted recent trip through the Tuamotu in July Highlights included Black-fronted regularly, not only outside the Miranda archipelago and Marquesas Islands, and Terns. August saw a visit to "Wingspan", Shorebird Centre but further along the in November we were treated to an the bird of prey centre in Rotorua. Topics coast as well. Three Cattle Egrets have excellent talk by Tim Lovegrove about of an interesting talk by Debbie Stewart- apparently decided to stay for the his work in Mauritius on the critically Badger included behaviour of the New summer and are presently residing in endangered Echo Parakeet. Zealand Falcon, Morepork and the Piako area. Other Firth sightings (Tony Habraken) Australasian Harrier. A visit to Lake include 42 Wrybills, 20 Asiatic Whimbrels, Tamurenui in October was unfortunately three Pacific Golden Plovers, two Red- a washout and will be rescheduled. 41 necked Stints, two smudgy stilts and 10 Waikato species have been seen at this lake over Sharp-tailed Sandpipers. Strong south westerly winds over the the past three years. The September Tiritiri Matangi trip spring months have brought good Kerry Oates from Ohakune has taken was once again well supported and numbers of seabirds to our beaches. up the position of Regional enjoyed by all. The summery day on Kaka sightings have been frequent Representative for the Volcanic Plateau Saturday allowed excellent views of all throughout the winter, with three seen region, previously amalgamated with Bay birds and night time activity wasn't to feeding on kahikatea berries in Ngatea of Plenty. We wish Kerry well with his be missed either, with Blue Penguins on on 23 April (A. Wright), one in Cambridge new appointment, and warmly welcome beaches, Grey-faced Petrels in flight and in April (K. Charland): three at Kerepehi members to participate in field activities in burrows, and Little Spotted Kiwi calling feeding on fruit in June; they were joined in our region. throughout the night. What was most by a fourth and remained until August noted by those on a return visit was the The Department of Conservation has (R.H. Boreham), two feeding on recently carried out restoration work on spectacular rate of growth of the trees Paulownia at Pokura in early July (L. on the island. the Matata Lagoons. The lagoons are Hoverd), and seven at Orini in native situated in the Matata Wildlife bush in August. Management Reserve. Previously they I OSNZNews - No.85 - December 1997 131 were part of a channel to the sea formed Mohakatina areas. Two Kaka have been and there were 22 Pacific Golden Plovers by of the Tarawera and Rangitaiki Rivers, seen in gardens close to bush reserves by 2 November, a welcome 50% increase and in the early days were a port, with around Barrett Lagoon, at different times on last year's maximum. Eight Turnstones shipping for transporting flax from the during September and October. on 9 November is a pretty good count local mills. In 1916 realigning and stop- The October monthly trip was an for here, and particularly pleasing was banking were carried out to give the outing to the Waitaanga South Road forest an Eastern Curlew on 18 and 25 October present, direct access for the rivers into area. Members of Forest and Bird joined - this species was regular up until the the sea, leaving the joint river course cut our group for the day. 19 bird species early 90s, but this is the first for several off from river flows. Infilling and plant were recorded, the most numerous being years. A Little Tern was present on 23 growth have resulted in their present NZ Robins (6 seen and 25+ heard). October. condition. Frequent sightings of three Cattle In the last twelve months the estuary The lagoons are silting up rapidly Egrets may indicate that they are to spend of the Manawatu River has had 11 (or from two streams which flow into them, the summer in the Waiongana River maybe 12) species of Arctic waders - in and are also being invaded by raupo. mouth area. Early in October a Shy addition to those above, we had Great Since 1940 one third of the open surface Albatross was found in a distressed Knot, Curlew Sandpiper, Pectoral of the lagoons has disappeared and the condition at New Plymouth's Back Beach. Sandpiper and a possible Mongolian depth has reduced by half. Sadly the bird had to be put down. The Dotterel last summer. We may not be able The restoration work was made most exciting wader to be found at the to rival Miranda in numbers, but we possible through a support fund of Waiongana River mouth to date was an certainly do in variety of waders, and all $150,000 from the Tasman Pulp and Asiatic Whimbrel. Peter, our newest this from just a handful of observers at Paper Co. and additional funding from member, has been visiting the river mouth this terribly under-watched hot spot. the Department of Conservation. Work almost daily, and is able to give an Come on folks! Get down to the included removal of large areas of raupo, accurate record of local and migratory Manawatu to see all these birds at construction of silt traps at the stream waders which perhaps would not be seen incredibly close range - and please give inlets, spraying of raupo and weeds, on occasional visits. me a call on (06) 323 1441 to let me dredging and landscaping and planting The year's first Long-tailed Cuckoo know what else you find. of flaxes and other native plants. It is was seen and heard on the Moki Forest (Ian Saville) believed that if the restoration work had on 29 October. A large flock of not been done the lagoons would Greenfinches was seen in a coastal disappear within five years. paddock late in October and a few days Wellington We are looking at publishing a locality later in the same area - 80% of a mixed Over the last few months our evening guide to the birds of the Bay of Plenty, flock of finches appeared to be meetings have taken us to many parts along the lines of those produced for Greefinches. Red-billed Gulls and White- of the world. With Russell Thomas we Nelson and Hawkes Bay. fronted Terns are settling in on the visited the southern-most part of South ('John Brierley) nesting sites in the marine park. We hope America, Patagonia - a sparsely populated the birds have a successful breeding area of wild countryside. Jean-Claude -seaso~. Stahl took us to the Southern Ocean and\ Taranaki At the November meeting members the Snares and Solander Islands. He has The September trip was to the discussed the late flocking of been working with Southern Buller's Rerekaka Track in the Moki Forest, when Greenfinches this season in some coastal Mollymawks, looking at population sizes, members of the New Plymouth Tramping areas, and had a close look at a mounted diets, and the relationship between the Club joined our group. The usual forest Barn Owl. The bird was found dead in a fishing industry and the birds. November birds were seen, plus two Fernbirds in New Plymouth street a few years ago and brought us Ricardo Palma with his a small swamp area near the track is now in the museum collection. The enthusiastic account of lice and their entrance. November trip will be to the Waiongana relationship with birds. Many species of lice are so host-specific that a bird can A lone Royal Spoonbill, frequently River mouth where we hope to see a be identified by the lice living on it. seen in the lower Waitara River valley, variety of wader species. seems to have moved on early in (Rosemary Messenger) Field trips have included an excursion September. Diving petrels, Fluttering to Mana Island, where another robin's Shearwaters and Flesh-footed nest was found with two chicks. Counts Shearwaters are still active around the Manawatu in Karori Reservoir have continued. The Sugar Loaf Islands of the marine park. On 1 August a Cape Pigeon flew project is just waiting for final planning On Motu-o-Tamatea Island at least eight north, close inshore, at Foxton Beach. approval, then the predator-proof fence Grey-faced Petrel chicks were seen late This is a pretty rare bird on our coast. A will begin to be erected. in September, and there were 60-80 Kaka apparently spent the winter in Planning for the AGM is well breeding burrows at that time. suburban Feilding. I saw it in June and underway - please read all the information Afew Banded Dotterels remain at the again on 9 August - and DOC had other in this OSNZ News and make your Waiongana River mouth. The first godwit reports. bookings early We look forward to seeing for the season was seen in this area on Waders are building up nicely at the as many as possible of you in MayJune 21 September. Small flocks of up to 20 Manawatu Estuary. Just under a hundred for a great weekend in the capital city. have been seen since. A few days later, Bar-tailed Godwits on 20 September (Ros Batcheler) three Turnstones arrived. Other visitors increased to 500+ by 18 October. Red to this area later in September include Knots were up to 185+ by 4 November, Pacific Golden Plovers, Lesser Knots and one carrying a yellow leg flag from north- Canterbury Wrybills. On 7 September a pair of New western Australia. We had an early Red- It's been all go here recently in Zealand Dotterels were at the mouth of necked Stint on 20 September, and Canterbury. At the moment the Black- the Punganeene Stream, Rahutu area. another two on 4 November. billed Gull and White-fronted Tern survey At the October meeting it was What is presumably a returning Grey- is underway. The aerial portion was recorded that the first Shining Cuckoo tailed Tattler was back on 10 October - completed on 9 November, and now the of the season was heard at Mokau. More the tenth consecutive summer that this follow-upwork will be continued on foot Eastern Rosellas have been seen in the species has been present. One Sharp- and by boat. All the rivers south of Okato district; this is as well as those tailed Sandpiper - also from 10 October Kaikoura were flown to locate nesting recorded as being in the Mokau/ - was joined by another two on the 9th, colonies - over five hours of flight time.

- - - - - 1 l4 OSNZNews - No.85 - December 1997 A large colony of Black-billed Gulls Mackenzie Basin, and in November fairly fresh kiwi. We were surprised by has taken up residence at Peacock Frances Schmechel, Lincoln University, the minute wings and the tiny, flat Springs. There are over 600 nests being reported on the Chatham Island sternum, apparently unconnected to the monitored. When the chicks are large Oystercatcher and some of the issues ribs. enough (around the end of November involved with conservation on the A flock of nine Glossy Ibis has taken or beginning of December) they will be Chathams in general. She also showed up residence in pasture beside Waikawa rounded up and banded. A few Black- slides of how territorial pairs will attack Harbour. Cattle Egret numbers are well fronted Terns, Pied Stilts and Banded a variety of cardboard models, often down in Southland this year, with only Dotterels are also nesting in the area. knocking them to the ground. a few dozen compared with the hundreds Over Labour Weekend there was a (Frances Schmechel) of last year. We are currently part way joint field trip with Otago members to through our aerial counts of Black-billed Twizel and the Mackenzie region. 18 Gulls on the Oreti, Mataura, Aparima and Otago members enjoyed the trip, with reports Waiau Rivers. At this stage it looks like of good weather along with a variety of El Nino has had an effect on our activities. numbers are down on previous years. birds, including breeding Wrybills and Trying to do a count of the waders on Asurvey of the Aparima River revealed Black Stilts, and, at Lake Alexandrina, 57 exposed mudflats in gale force winds, only one Black-fronted Dotterel, although Southern Crested Grebes and 13 with hail and heavy rain, isn't easy. Trying there were around a hundred Banded Australian Coots. to catch robins at Flagstaff Hill in a Dotterels along the same stretch of river. blizzard can create similar problems. There is a falcon resident on Queen's In July members enjoyed stunning Thanks to the nine members who braved surroundings while participating in the Park, Invercargill. It has been seen the weather. 14th annual winter census of birds of terrorising the aviary birds and White- the Ashburton lakes. Some work has been done on the faced Herons in the park. A pair of Little gull and tern survey. Malcolm Foord Over the next few weeks, additional Owls is resident in the macrocarpas noticed a colony on the Clutha River on activities will include the annual summer outside the museum - they call frequently 20 November. There were approximately during the day. wader count on 6 and 7 December of 700 flying birds, and nesting was the Avon-Heathcote and Ashley Estuaries, There is a good number of spoonbills observed, though access was not possible. bays around Banks Peninsula, and Lake on Omaui Island. There are alwavs a few The sad tale was the flushing of Lake visible on the estuary at any time. A Rook Ellesmere, followed by a barbecue. Roxburgh over the weekend - emptying Interesting sightings have included a was reported from Doughboy Bay on part of the lake over a period of 48 hours mystery bird at Lake Ellesmere. For the Stewart Island. Recent beach patrols have meant that the river was up about a metre, moment it's been designated a Long-toed produced Broad-billed Prions, diving with the result that all the gulls Lesser Sandstint (it's either a Long-toed petrels, Mottled Petrels, Blue Petrels, disappeared. A pity, since this was the Stint or a Least Sandpiper). After making Cape Pigeons, Magpies and Stewart Island first sighting of breeding gulls there for several appearances it has disappeared Shags. over ten years. The Waitaki River has been for a while. A Sanderling in juvenile surveyed, with three colonies. (Lloyd Esler) plumage was seen near the mouth of the Ashley River. The two hybridising pairs A large colony of White-frontedTerns of oystercatchers are breeding again this at the Waitaki mouth was counted, or Chatham Islands year near the mouth of the Ashley, and rather estimated, since it was impossible Being surrounded by the Southern three chicks have been leg flagged. to count properly. This is the first colony Ocean, spring birdwatching in the for many years. Four Turnstones near the The Canterbury branch was pleased Chathams has once again been strongly mouth were an uncommon sighting. to present to Marg Davis the Phil Howell focused on seabirds. The Black Shag Black-fronted Terns are everywhere on Trophy for 1997/98 at the November census has been completed; a total of the river, with a good number of monthly meeting. Marg has been a 373 breeding pairs in five colonies were fledglings counted. member of OSNZ since 1953, and has counted. Although the overall number been involved in a wide variety of Frank Austin reports an albino of colonies has decreased by two since interesting field . projects. Goldfinch alongside the old Dunstan the last full census in 1961, the number Congratulations, Marg, and thanks for Road on 27 October. "It was completely of pairs has nearly doubled. A census of all your contributions. white except for a gold bar on the wing, both Pitt and Chatham Island Shags is a red face and brown breast". Kim due to be completed by the end of Presentations at the evening meetings Morrison saw a full albino male among November. have included information from a study eight House Sparrows in Dunedin in looking into the effects of tourism at the Larger seabirds have been providing October. White Heron colony at Okarito by some interesting observations lately. A Graeme Hickling, Lincoln University. It The Otago Science Fair attracted Grey-headed Mollymawk was found on appears that the current level of tourism seven entries on bird projects, up from Waitangi beach; other than this the is affecting use of the lower river, the usual one or two, which is most beaches have been casting up very little. especially by younger birds, but does not pleasing. Highly commended were Soren A juvenile Black-browed Mollymawk was appear to be impacting on nesting. This Miller with her entry "Waxeye Winter seen at sea off Port Hutt. At Te Matarae, research also revealed that opinions Blues" and Hamish Walker with "Birdies a beach off the Te Whanga Lagoon, a sometimes shift to suit the circumstances. Banquet". The winner was Matthew banded Wandering Albatross was found In August, Philippa Gardner, also at Cornelissen with his entry "Bird's Eye dead. Lincoln University, shared information View". All three projects were studies of Members of the Chatham Island Taiko from her research on Rangatirabouth Silvereyes! expedition have been kept busy at the East Island into the causes of the decline ATui census of the botanical gardens light site on the Tuku River. To date six on the threatened Chatham Petrel. took places on 6 September. Final score Taiko have been caught and had Competition for nesting burrows with - Tuis 27 - Birders 4. transmitters fitted. Along with the usual Broad-billed Prions is the main cause of (Peter Schweigman) collection of storm petrels (White-faced chick loss - over half of the chicks may and Grey-backed) and prions (Broad- be killed by prions in any one year. In billed and Fairy), a Juan Fernandez Petrel September Mark Sanders from the Southland has been seen and a Soft-plumaged Petrel Department of Conservation in Twizel Our most recent indoor meeting looked caught. Both species are irregularly presented information on Black Stilt at flightless birds. We had the rare caught in the Chathams. management and research in the opportunity to examine and dissect a (Mike Bell)

OSNZNews - No.85 - December 1997 151 What's On Capricorn Books Books on Birds NorthlandRar North 24, 25, 26 January - Far North lakes. Ph. We have the widest range in New Zealand Janet Snell (09) 438 4240. of books on birds, and we keep up with 13 February - evening meeting. Advisory Services, Alexander Street, Whangarei. new books. Ph. Lorna Simpkin (09) 437 2076. We specialise in mail order, and our service is 22 - 23 February - Pouto Lakes survey, prompt and friendly. Ph. David Crockett (09) 435 0954. Monthly beach patrols of Dargaville We also specialise in books on beaches (Prue Cozens (09) 437 0127), Botany 90 Mile Beach and Karikari (Isobela Wildlife Godbert (09)407 8058,John Dawn (09) 407 8653) and the east coast The environment (Jean Hawken (09) 438 1985, Lorna Mountain and river sports Simpkin (09) 437 2076). Tramping and trekking We'd love to send you our informative and :xtensive catalogue, and keep you up to date with )ur newsletters. Auckland Capricorn Books, Freepost 3551- no stamp needed PO BOX33 189, Petone, Wellington. Phone 1 Fax 04 5682 004 )lease send me catalogue on natural histoy tick South Auckland mountain and river sports vlv name

Evening meetings, third Wednesday of the month (except January), DOC Conference Room, London Street, Hamilton. Ph. Hugh Clifford (07) 855 24 February - evening meeting,Middleton 3751 for all activities. Volcanic Plateau Grange School, Riccarton. AGM and members' night. Ph. Sheila Petch 18 February - evening meeting - Members' GisborneAVairoa (03) 348 1889. night - bring slides and photos. Taranaki 21 February - Waders at Kidds Farm, Manukau. Manawatu West Coast 18 March - evening meeting and AGM - Waneanui Birds of Paradise. Hawkes Bav Otago 21-22 March - Kaka at Waipapa Wairarava Evening meetings - 3rd Wednesday of even months, Otago Art Society building, Monthly beach patrols of west coast Wellington beaches and Mt Karioi 5 minute counts. 8 pm. Ph. Peter Schweigman Ph. Paul Cuming (07) 856 3891 Beach patrols -Jean Luke (04) 293 (03) 455 2790. Hamilton,Lake counts - 2nd Sunday of Mapping scheme - Hugh Roberston (04) 6 February - Royal Spoonbill census of the month. Ph. Barry Friend (07) 843 385 8407. coastal Otago. Ph. Peter Schweigman. 6729. Karori reservoir - Colin Miskelly (04)472 5821 (work). Southland Bav of Plentv Beach patrols - most Friday evenings. Ph. 18 January - beach patrol, Ohiwa Harbour Nelson Lloyd Esler (03) 213 0404. to Waiotahi River. Ph. John Brierley (07) Marlborough Black-billed Gull and White-fronted Tern 323 7458. Canterbury survey- many areas still to cover. Ph. Lloyd Esler. 15 February - Robins at Mt Edgecumbe. 14 February - bush areas on Banks Ph. John Brierley. Peninsula, Ph. Kathleen Harrison (03) 322 9699.

DEADUNE FOR THE MARCH ISSUE IS 10 FEBRUARY

11 6 OSNZNews - No.85 - December 1997