OSNZ News Edited by PAUL SAGAR, 21362 Hereford Street, Christchurch, for the Members of the Ornithological Society of New Zealand (Inc.)

Supplement to Notornis, Vol. 25, Part 3, September 1978 OSNZ news Edited by PAUL SAGAR, 21362 Hereford Street, Christchurch, for the members of the Ornithological Society of New Zealand (Inc.). No. 8 September 1978 NOTE: Next deadline is earlier to try to beat the Christmas and January shut- Deadline for the December issue will be down of printers and have NOTORNIS 20 November. and OSNZ NEWS out early in 1979.

DACHICKS Rough estimates: northland 150-200; The 1978 inquiry into the NZ Dabchick has gone remarkably well, with North Island Volcanic Plateau 600-800; South Taranakii members putting in a lot of time, often with meagre results, in order to help form an overall Wanganui 30; ManawatulWairarapa 300; picture of the status and habits of this species. GisborneiHawkes Bay 50. Total 1 150-1400. We began with a series of questions, to which we now have much better answers. If We thus already have a fairly good base members can stand it, we need another year's effort to confirm and clarify these answers. line agalnst which to measure any major changes in the future. Another year's f~eld 1. Is the NZ Dabchick extinct in the South Island? Answer, apparently yes. Was it ever work should cons~derably Improve the strong there? Possibly not (see Oliver). accuracy of our knowledge. 2. Does the North Island population reach a total of 1000? Answer, yes. Est~matedtotal Regional activity (very rough, see below) 1 1 50-1400 birds. We have no up-tb-date report from Far 3. Are Australian grebelets taking over? Answer, in North Island, not yet. Several of both North. South Auckland, Manawatu or Hawkes Hoary-heasded and Little Grebes were encountered but were apparently individuals. See CS Bay. Notes for records in both islands. Auckland: Gwenda Watson has led a highly 4. Is autumnlwinter flocking a general habit? On Volcanic Plateau, on Northland dune lakes, organised campaign to get regular reports on in Manawatu and Wairarapa and perhaps southern Hawkes Bay, yes. Complicated by many all oxidation ponds (North Shore. Mangere, birds that remain on summer lakes and ponds in small numbers. 'Yaiwera. Orewa, Wellsford. Helensville), 5. Do birds move far afield? In Northland and on Volcanic Plateau, apparently not. In lost acclimatisation lakes, Wa~takereRanges ManawatulWairarapa there is an influx which is apparently far too large to be from local sources dams and the Muriwai dune lakes; also - where they are from remains a mystery. High-country farm dams ins~desteep gullies are not strategic farm dams such as MALCOLM known to be Dabchick habitat and lowland numbers in Taranaki and Hawkes Bay are far too few WALLER'S at South Kaipara Head. Of to be the main source. particular value has been the ready and 6. Are sewage oxidation ponds widely used? Answer, apparently a Manawatulwest remarkably tolerant help of the AUCKLAND WellingtonIWairarapa phenomenon; few seen on these ponds elsewhere. Tony Palliser's FOUR-WHEELLDRIVE CLUB, especially J. observation that all the major flocks of Volcanic Plateau gathered in the warmest waters, near CAMPBELL, D. HILL, B. MANSELL, D. NUNN, natural hot springs may suggest a reason why some ponds and lakes are favoured In wlnter over L. NUNN, M. NUNN and J. SHEEN, In pro- others; water temperature may vary from pond to pond, affecting food supply as well as viding a veh~cle and drlver to check the comfort. This could easily be investigated next year. scattered middle group of Muriwai lakes which had a small but significantly changmg group of 7. When do birds flock most? In general, flocks build up during FebruaryiMarch and are at dabchicks. Members who have taken part peak from May to July, with this year a sharp drop in early August (delayed to September in include: D. BAKER, K. BARROWS, P. 1 977 - see March Notornis.). BARROWS, T. BILBOROUGH, D. BINNEY, K. 8. Breeding season? Extended. At Waimeha. Waikanae. CAF's "home pair" raised two BOND, D. BOOTH, H. BOUTELL, J. BROWN, broods, the last of which were pushed off only late in April. At Wairongomai, north of Otaki, S. CHAMBERLIN, C. EXLEY, P. FOOKS, B. there were still two chicks in late March (BDH) while at nearby Ohau lagoon your editors saw a HADDON, J. McCALLUM. C. MISKELLY, L. chick being carried on its parent's back on 2 September. On the Rotorua lakes, breedmg PARKES, N. PEACHMAN, R. PEACHMAN. A. through the winter is reported by Tony Palliser and Ray Jackson - young seen in July, eggs in PRICKETT. S. REED, N. ROTHWELL, C. early August, courtship d~splaysfrom April to August. SCHISCHKA, G. SCHISCHKA, €3. SEARLE, C. 9. Plumage and eye colour questions are starting to make sense but there are differences of SEARLE, F. SHORT. J. SKINNER. T. SKINNER, opinion among observers still. Autumn juveniles and adults become ahke and eas~lyconfused J. STANILAND, C. TAYLOR. M. TAYLOR, B. with non-breeding Hoary-headed, with their non-chestnut neck and breast, paler backs and often WALLER, G. WATSON, J. WELLS, and the whitish chins. Eye colour is pale in juveniles and fades in adults after breedmg, becoming bright KINGS COLLEGE BIRD CLUB. yellow again when breeding plumage is assumed in July. Volcanic Plateau flocks contained at Waikato: A great deal of hunting revealed least 50% birds in breeding plumage inell months, so the pattern is different there. only a juvenile at Matamata sewage ponds (R. 10. General distribution? Larqdy as prophesied by members. LACEY), a pair wlth 2 juveniles at Ncakura (H. Northland: apparently isolated population of 150-200birds largely confined to west coast dune ROOK) in February, one at Lake Wahi (T. lakes from Dargaville to Muriwa~;few elsewhere and few seem to wander in wtnter. Up to 53 HATCH) and two at Lake Wa~papain Apr~l(M. on Kereta lakes, February to August. TAYLOR) and one at Manga~t~Rd (E. TAYLOR) Volcanic Plateau: found on many lakes during wmter, often In pairs; some large counts in in ApriliMay and one on Hamilton Lake In July JunelJuly 45 Rotoehu, 51 Rotoiti, 76 Rotorua, 28 Tarawera. 25 Rotornahana, 126 Tokaanu (T. CROCKER). Other reports from Taupo. (Taupo); nearly 500 birds actually counted but major lakes could not be covered without boats: Volcanic Plateau: a major effort particularly cautious estimate up to 800 b~rdslikely. from TONY PALLISER, RAY JACKSON, MIKE WaikatoIBay of Plenty: surprisingly, no sign of influx from Rotorua area, desp~tesome most DAY and GRAHAM PEARSON to cover a su~tablesites. Mainly occasional single birds. fearful quantity of lake shore, to produce im- Taranaki: no evidence of flocking despite some good sites; none seen in north or central pressive figures and interesting comments on Taranaki; a few scattered pairs in Hawera, Waverley and Waitotara districts. breeding, plumage and hehaviour. Lack of Wanganui: apparently few (e.g. Lake Kaitoke); no evidence of flocking. boats (and of helpers) meant a large under- GisborneIWairoa: fewer even than usual: 2 singles In Wa~roadistrict. 4 In RuatoriaiTolaga Bay estimate of major lakes. district, none at Tiniroto lakes. Taranaki: a regular survey of l~kelylakes and Hawkes Bay: up to 6 at Tutira, 9 at Ahuriri ponds, 4 at Wa~pukurau;only flock 21 at Lake Roto-o- sewage ponds from Wa~tara and New K~wain June. No information from Dannevirke south to Porangahau and Pah~atua. Plymouth south to Stratford yielded no dab- Wairarapa: very low numbers this year (28 max. on 2 April, down to 15 on 11 June, 6 on 6 chicks. August), in contrast to recent years - see March Notornis. GisbornelWairoa: rather futile searching by Manawatulwest Wellington: small groups remained on many dune and riverside lakes, while JIM HENLEY, ARCHIE BLACKBURN, TED record large flocks appeared in several places (see OSNZ News No. 7), totalling 274 on 11 JONES and MAVIS WILLIAMS from Gisborne June. and bv GEOFF FOREMAN and BRUCE HENLEY from1 Wairoa to produce a handful of dab- is not the best time to count White Herons ~n observations are being made towards a tlme- chicks, the most bemg 6 at Tutira in July. particular but it is probably best for Cattle budget which describes how the Robin's Hawkes Bay: work by MARY CRAVEN, PAT Egret. If preferred by all regions, we could try behavior is ordered through the day and BOLT. JANET LLOYD, CARA SAXBY. JOHN the weekend before school holidays next year eventually, the year. Robins were chosen for HASTIE and KATHLEEN TODD ~n MayIJune (~fwe are to do it next year). the study as the population had been colour- revealed a few b~rdsnear Havelock North and Late Additions: banded so that individuals of known-age could Waipukurau and the flock of 21 at Roto-o- Nelson reglon: CE 34 (20),WH 7 (13). LE 4 be recognised. Also the Robin's territorial Klw 3 (2). RSp 12 (22). nature and fearlessness of man means they Wairarapa: BOB STIDOLPH. COLIN SCAD- West Coast reglon: CE 15 (20).WH 13 (7), can be readily located and found through the DEK, DAVE SIM and CHRIS LUSK carr~edout LEO (1).RSp 17 (0). bush. surveys, ertended by occas~onal v~s~tsby These br~ngthe grand totals, exclud~ng All activities are timed using a stopwatch, Wel~rigtonmrmbers. Hawkes Bay, Blenhe~mand Otago, to CE 227 with the results being written into a notebook * * * * (293, WH 46 183). LE 14 (221, RSp 46 (49) as they occur. Robin activities include: Foragi~g(finding, killing and eating prey); CATTLE EGRETS .-lus ibises. T'i~s report can only be ~ncomplete as The Okarito heronry has st111to be checked. caching food (some food is hidden in crevices to be retrieved later); comfort movements (bill- records for the count weekend of 26-27 August have not been recewed from Hawkes wiping, scratching, head-rubbing, preening, Identification parade bathing, sunning and anting); vocalis- Bay Blwhe~rn.West Coast and Otago and are On 6 August, J. LE LIEVRE, M. LE LIEVRE, at second hand from Nelson. ations; resting; pair interactions; inter- B. PREECE and J. PREECE lhned up on the Totals from other regions, wlth last year's ln actions with other Robins, especially neigh- shore of Foxton No. 1 Lake, about 4 km NW of brackets. bours; and interactions with other species. Foxton. The pol~cewere not there but at one During the breeding season several other Southland 22 CE (21 ), 1 White Heron (0). 1 corner of the lake were a Cattle Egret, a Little activities (such as nest building and in- L~ttleEgret (21, 0 Royal Spoonbill 12). (Roger Egret, a Wh~teHeron and a Wh~teIbis. All cubation) are included in the bird's behaviour Sutton) were within 30 m of one another and were Balclutha IS. Otago) 1 CE (0).(Ian McLaren) patterns. either feedmg on the mud and pasture at the Canterbury 20 CE (141, 7 WH (13). 0 LE (2). In order to have an accurate sample of Robm lake edge or perching on a fence in the lake behaviour, observations are made at ail times (Paul Sagar et el.) nearby. This is probably the first such parade of day. The day is divided arbitrarily into six Marlborough Kaikoura 0 CE (10); Blenheim 6 in New Zealand. parts and an equal number of hours of records In Jane ( 1 2). are made for each part during a month. This Nelson Takaka 20 CE 11 51; Appleby 20 (8). involves several dawn starts which, while very West Wellington 0 CE (01, 3 WH (0). Among specimens cast up on Bay of Plenty pleasant during the warm summer months, Manawatu 18 CE (15); 1 WH (2); 2 LE (0); beaches by the August storms was a Kaka soon numb the fingers on frosty winte? morn- 15 RSp (18); 1 White lb~s(0). (Paddy Latham). Where does that go in the ings. Wairarapa 0 CE (7). Distribution Atlas? Wanganui 0 CE (91. The study has shown that Robin behaviour Gisborne 17 CE (4); Wairoa 0 CE (1). 3 WH is determ~nedby several factors sucl. as time of day, month, daylength, sex and age. In (1) As part of degree requirements at agrl- Taranaki 6 CE (26); 2 LE (2). general Robins spend about 60% of their time cultural universities, students must spend Bay of PlentylRotorua 3 CE (7).2 WH (2). foraging during January and February, when the~r vacations on farms. In August WaikatoISouth Auckland 67 CE (97). 13 breeding is complete and moult has begun. CHARLOTTE HEATHER was invited to the WH (8). 1 GI. lbis (0). Peak feeding times are about mid-morning and farm of Mr G. Hoare at Parakai, near Helens- Auckland 9 CE (4).4 WH (7). 3 LE (3). mid-afternoon and about midday they often ville; this turned out to be the only farm In the Far North 30 CE (25).8 WH (14). 2 LE (2), 2 stop feeding for a while to rest, preen and sun Auckland region where there were Cattle RSp (2). 1 GI. lbis (0).1 Yellow-billed Spoon- themselves. However durtng June and July, Egrets - nine - apparently unknown to bill (I). when daylength is much shorter and Auckland members at the tlme. One up for temperatures colder, the Robins spend over INTERIM TOTALS: Cattle Egret 233 (293); the Massey Bird Group and heredity. White Heron 39 (83); Little Egret 10 (22); 90% of their time foraging. During this period Apparently there had been 12 in the area foraging takes up about 80% of their time Royal Spoonbill 17, (49); Glossy lbis 2 (71; earl~er,reported to the newspaper and some- during the first part of the day and this in- White lb~s1 (4);Yellow-billed Spoonbill 1 (1). how in the process converted to 24. creases to 95% just prior to dusk. Immature These totals are clearly well below the Speak~ng of newspaper editing, ROY birds (those less than a year old) spend slightly expected for our resident White Herons and WESTON was chagrined to find his careful more time foraging compared with adult birds. Royal Spoonbills, lacking birds in districts text altered to say that the Cattle Egret closely Being in close contact with a bird for long which have not reported and also confus~onas resembles the Wh~te-facedHeron w~thits periods results in some fascinating to whether to count them or not, caused by short yellow bill and grey or yellow legs. No observat~ons. One case was when a Robin clumsy advice in OSNZ news whose editor wonder RRs get so many reports that turn out was prejudiced toward CE mainly (which he extracted a 'giant' earthworm (about 25 x 1 to be White-faced Herons. The Southland admits freely). cm) from its burrow and proceeded to kill it. public~tywas immaculate, the value of having It might be best to enlarge on the 1978 As the worm was too heavy to be carried in fr~endsat court. developments in December issue by which flight, it was dragged to a suitable log and Among misprint howlers in the current time we hope there is a clearer picture. In bashed until broken up. It took the Robin 25 Notornis that one was tempted to leave was northern regions, birds seemed, after an initial minutes to break it up, eat a portion and cache the one that sa~d"The value of the scheme in the remainder. Following this mammoth task wander around, to desert many of last year's giving opportunity for indiv~dualactivity is sites and come together in fewer, larger the Robin retired to bathe. shown by the detailed observations Chr~sthas Robins do not appear to worry about the flocks. A noticeable increase in Nelson and made." We hope it has been corrected. weather conditions when they want a bath. ChristchurchlEllesmere, matched by a One individual was seen bathing in a puddle corresponding drop In Marlborough. No surrounded by ice, the ice having been broken change in Southland. A sharp drop in by a vehicle. Another bird spent over five Taranaki and in Wairarapa, a drop in Wa~kato South Island Robin study minutes bathing in a pool during heavy rain, it and Bay of Plenty with a corresponding rise in Members may recall the Grey Warbler1 became saturated and took several hours to Gisborne. Slight rise in Far North and Shining Cuckoo study being carried out at dry thoroughly. Manawatu. Overall, the total may be slightly Kowhai Bush near Kaikoura (OSNZ News 4) Recently when I visited a pair of Robins they lower than in 1977 so that the trend to annual Ralph Powlesland of the Zoology Department, were found giving alarm calls and they had increase has halted. University of Canterbury, has completed two their crown feathers raised. I realised they We hope to have full lists of those who took years study of tha Robin, also at Kowhai Bush, part in this year's census in December issue. as part of his Ph.D. thesis. Ralph has supplied were alarmed at something hidden inside a hollow tree trunk. Thinking it might be an Congratulations on yet another successful us with details of his study. venture. We hope it was less strenuous than Two years have now been spent observing opossum I hit the trunk with a stick only to feel very sorry for disturbing a Morepork. last year. We realise that in some districts it Robins at KOWHAI Bush near Kaikoura. The Although most of the bird studies carried out summer and later ice breakout. Wilson's Clrl Buntings at Kowhai Bush have involved the Robin, Storm Petrels were seen on two occasions (7 Kathleen Harrison and Phil Howell have several other species are in need of intensive December 1977 and 1 5 January 1978) and supplied this note. On 23 May, during an study. A little-known species that resides in an Antarctic Fulmar was seen on 23 January examination of several groups of mixed large numbers at Kowhai Bush is the Brown 1978. This was the first recorded sighting of finches, buntings and sparrows on the fair- Creeper. Those of us working in the bush a fulmar at Cape Bird. Ectoparasites were ways of the Amberley golf course, we noticed have 'stumbled' on several nests and intensive collected from Adelie Penguins and an several Cirl Buntings, feeding slightly apart searching would yield a sample suitable for a Emperor Penguin, Antarctic Skua and Snow from the other birds. We were able to spend breeding study. For other features which Petrel for Professor R. L. C. Pilgrim. some time observing these birds, which were make Kowhai Bush a good study area see Next summer Graham will return to Cape not disturbed by our presence. Cirl Buntings OSNZ news 4. Bird to continue these projects. (GRAHAM were found in the same locality on two further WILSON) occasions, 26 May and 1 June. On 30 June a flock of nine Cirl Buntings was observed Raoul Island flying about a weed-choked children's Sandy Edgar has passed on a request from playground at Waikuku Beach and we were E. F. (Ted) Lloyd, N.Z. Geological Survey. surprised to notice a distinct difference in the P.O. Box 499, Rotorua, who was a geologist overall appearance of these birds compared on Raoul Island during the 1964 OSNZ Australian Bird Study Association with those at Amberley. The colour of the expedition. Dr Lloyd writes 'A re-appraisal of The Bird Bander's Association of Australia plumage on the backs of both sexes was a the 1964 event in the light of recent studies, has changed its name to the Australian Bird much lighter brown, with more distinctive suggests that a ground-hugging surge also Study Association and that of its journal from striations; also, while the grey on the breast- accompanied that eruption, small as it was. Australian Bird Bander to the Corella. The bands of the Amberley birds was of bluish Since such events were first recognised only scope of the Association and its journal has tone, the Waikuku birds had an olive-green in 1965, and are still poorly understood, I wish been expanded to cover all forms of field cast, with a brighter yellow on the under- to get as much out of the 1964 Raoul eruption Investigation of birds while continuing its bellies. as poss~ble. I hope that the photographic emphasis on banding. Articles are not limited Witherby's British Birds describes one race, record will be of great help here, and wish to to Australian birds and contributions on New plus a sub-race on the island of Corsica. We enlist your help in locating the photographs Zealand birds are invited. Membership is could find no reference to differences in which were taken. The movie record for open to all persons interested in birds, with an plumage, but in a field guide to the birds of instance should be perfect for my requirement. annual subscription of $6.50 for full members North Africa the illustrations of Cirl Buntings I can probably fit individual photographs into and $4.00 for junior members (under 18 years were similar to the birds we had observed at the correct sequence by comparing changes In of age). All members of the Association Waikuku. .As there is only 15 km distance the eruption column, but the movie sequence receive the quarterly journal Corella and back- between Amberley and Waikuku, it seems will provlde the added advantage of accurate numbers of the Australian Bird Bander are curious that these different characteristics time control between frames, so that travel available from the Honorary Treasurer. For have been noted. velocltles can also be calculated. I suspect membership forms write to the Honorary that the horizontal blast effects were init~ated Secretary. Australian Bird Study Association, early In the sequence (and therefore may have P.O. Box A1313, Sydney South, N.S.W. been mlssed by photographers?) and since 2000, Australia. Fantail raiding spiderwebs they hugged the ground they may have been An interesting observation comes from hidden by nearby hills of the crater, but I can KAREN MILLEH of Dunedin who on a cold only keep my fingers crossed. In fact I snowy morning (29 June) noticed a Pied interpret the initial sound effects heard by you Fantail flitting along close to the windows. as bemg created by hurr~caneforce winds Every now and then it landed on the which immediately preceded any debris windowsill and hopped about. After deposltiori and tore the forest apart within the Soebirds and waders workshop watching these antics for some time Karen affected area. A study workshop on Seabirds and became curious as to the reason for the Can you put me in touch with the right Waders proved a popular venture of Auckland Fantail's frequent visits. She watched it people to vlew as much of the photographic region when some 59 OSNZ members, in- closely and was most surprised to see it pluck record as possible?' cluding a few from South Auckland. Waikato a large, dead blowfly from the spiderweb and and Northland, spent the weekend of 26-28 eat it quickly. The Fantail then moved off, May in camp at Muriwai. Planned and presumably rn search of other easily obtainable Antarctic ornithology conducted by Michael Taylor and Doug Booth, morsels, as the snowy conditions had Four OSNZ members, PAUL ENSOR, held in a pleasant setting, favoured by good probably grounded its usual prey. ELSPETH WAGHORN, LLOYD DAVIS and weather, comfortable quarters and excellent GRAHAM WILSON, comprised the 1977-78 meals provided by a team of lady members, . . . . . and a feast of flies Unlverslty of Canterbury expedition to Cape the workshop was an outstanding success. A report of another avian flycatcher comes Bird, Antarctica, although only Lloyd was The study programme included talks by from ROB and GlLLlAN GUEST. On 4 June, work~ng full tlme on ornithology. He 1s Peter Jenkins and John Craig (behaviour while notching up species for uncovered carrylng out an M.Sc. thesis on the social studies), Beth Brown and Dick Sibson distribution squares on Banks Peninsula they behawour, crechmg and mortality of Adelie (waders). Geoff Moon (water birds), Graham were walking along the beach at Le Bons Bay. Penguins. Paul made the annual Antarctic Turbott (seabirds in Hauraki Gulf), Neil Ahead of them lay what they identified Skua count and identified 186 of the banded Cheshire and Tim Lovegrove (petrels at sea), through binoculars as the carcase of a cattle birds. Most had been banded at Cape Bird, David Crockett (beach patrols) and Russell beast, with a White-faced Heron standing still some as long ago as 1965, but a few banded Thomas (seabird wrecks). Outdoor activities beside it. Periodically the heron would dart its at Cape Crozier and Erebus Bay were also were well timed and relevant to the themes of head forward to pick flies off the carcase. The sighted. Unseasonable snow storms in instruction and involvement. The set talks bird allowed close approach, before it flew to November and December caused ;he loss of were of good meat, easily digested, and the water's edge, still only a few metres away, many skua eggs and delayed breeding of other stimulated ,useful and lively discussion. In but as soon as they were past it returned to birds by up to three weeks. Graham, with the and out of working hours, members took full continue its meal. help of other expedition members, carried out advantage of the opportunity to browse When walking back along the beach about the annual count of Adelie Penguins. This among the study specimens, exchange items half an hour later the heron was still at its post, season's count was about 5% lower than the of knowledge and seek answers to eyeing them warily from the far side of the three previous years, reducing the total to a ornithological problems. Perhaps the most carcase. The number of flies it caught must mere 34 787 occupied nests. notable result of a happy gathering was an have constituted a fair meal rather than a light Graham also recorded other species visiting increased awareness of how much is still to be snack. Oliver mentions insects as being Cape Bird. These included unusually high done in field ornithology and a better under- included in their diet, and this heron was numbers of Emperor Penguins and Snow standing of how individual ornithologists can obviously loath to abandon such a plentiful Petrels, perhaps correlated with the cooler help to do it. (SANDY EDGAR). supply. Coromandel Peninsula MERVYN JUKES reports that recently, When checking a reported sighting of a South Auckland would welcome members when feeding out hay to the stock, he noticed White Heron on a farm at Hokonui, Southland, from other regions to this year's Labour a blackbird pecking at the meat in one of his on 9 June, Mervyn and Helen Jukes found that Weekend survey of the Coromandel Peninsula, Harrier traps. About two hours later it had the 'white heron; was a Cattle Egret, wh~ch now an annual event. Past participants have been joined by a Harrier but when doing hls had been living happily with a flock of 90 become deeply interested in continuing the banding rounds some time later Mervyn found white roosters for 9 days. work to the extent that some, like David just a full Harrier and a scattering of black Four days later, the farmer killed the Lawrie and Peter Wilkinson, are tackling Mt feathers. roosters and the egret hasn't been around Moehau for the third time despite having had Blackbirds visit the ba~tin the Harrier traps since! However we are assured that it didn't wild weather there on both previous trips. every day, and it is a common sight to see go in the deep freeze by mistake. Anyone who wants to join in should contact them sitting on top of the cages, eyelng the Beth Brown, 39 Red Hill Rd, Papakura, as soon meat while waiting for the Harriers to be Beach Patrols as possible. moved on. Recent reports show that beach patrolling * * * * has been a rewarding activity in Northland, Nest Record Scheme Auckland and Wellington lately. Results of the winter shorebirds census of Many species of common birds will have From Northland DAVID CROCKETT reports the Firth of Thames of 25 June included 520 begun breeding by now, some of them close to the fifth and sixth New Zealand records of Godwit, 37 Knot, 2487 Pied St~lt,37 Banded where you live. Little effort is required to fill beach-washed Antarct~c Petrels. JIM Dotterel, 7506 SIPO, 24 Turnstone, 3817 in a Nest Record Card and much useful MORRISON found a freshly dead bird on hts Wrybill, 2 Asiat~cWhimbrel, 80 Casp~anTern, information may be obtained from a few visits farm at Kaiwaka during a check on the number 27 White-fronted Tern, 1 Little Tern, 420 to a nest. Many more completed cards are of White Herons in the area. Examination Black-billed Gulls and 21 1 White-faced Heron. required from even the commonest garden proved it to be an Antarctic Petrel. A second The Manuuau Harbour census of 23 July species before a full analysis of breeding can specimen was found by BILL CAMPBELL at included 1962 Godwit, 704 Knot, 2790 Pled be done, so why not help out? Dargaville Beach on 29 August. A full scale Stilt, 783 Banded Dotterel, c. 15 N.Z. Get cards from your RR or from David assault on Northland beaches has since been Dotterel, 19166 SIPO, 5 1 Turnstone, 1019 Crockett, 2 1 McMillan Avenue. Kamo, planned and we hope to be able to report on Wrybill, 6 Golden Plover, 3 Red-necked St~nt, Whangarei. this in the next newsletter. 178 Caspian Tern, 25 White-fronted Tern, Thes records add to an impressive hst of 291 White-faced Heron and 2 Grey Teal. rarities found by Northland beach patrollers (From results suppl~edby Beth Brown). Librarian's notes this year. These include a Wedge-ta~led The Society is grateful to the following for Shearwater found by Bill Campbell at donations: Mrs 8. A. Binning, Mr H. R. Fewer Godwits winter over at the two Dargaville; a White-bellied Storm Petrel found McKenzie, Mrs H. S. Newton and Mr P. E. Canterbury estuaries checked regularly by by Kath Brash and Robert Pinkney on 90 Mile Roberts. KATHLEEN HARRISON and PHIL HOWELL. Beach; a Fulmar Prion found by Alister and Recent additions to the library include: The Regular counts during June and July revealed Audrey Gordon at Dargaville and a Leach's B~rdsof Burma, B. E. Smythies, 1953; The about 168 Godwits on the Heathcote-Avon Storm Petrell found by Bill Campbell at B~rdsof Borneo, 8. E. Smythies, 1968. Both estuary and between 15 and 34 Godwits on Dargaville. However these finds have not very comprehensive works with colour the Ashley estuary. On 26 June four been all luck as about 2,000 km of beaches illustrations. Fairy Wrens, A. H. Chisholm, Godwits in full breeding plumage and two have been covered already this year. Can any 1948; Brit~shbirds and their haunts, Rev. C. partially coloured birds were seen. Are there other region beat that? A. Johns, 5th ed. revised by .J. A. Owen. many other records of wintering-over Godwits Recent storms have produced some 1919 (64 colour plates); Locations and attaining full breeding plumage? interesting tallies for beach patrols in the recoveries of Black Swans bonded at Lake Auckland region. DAVID LAWRIE reports Whangape and Lake Ellesmere, reprlnt from that the monthly patrol on the Waiuku West Australian Wildlife Research 4, 1977; Food A partial albino oystercatcher was seen near Coast on 1 6 July produced 1 1 3 b~rdsof 2 1 preferences of Takahe in Fiordland National Otakau, Otago Peninsula, on 11 May by specles. This was more than the usual yearly Park, and the effect of competition from Graham Wilson. The top of the head, nape total and has stimulated interest in this activ~ty introduced Red Deer, J. A. Mills 81 A. F. Mark, and wings were light fawn while the rest of the in the region. Among the species collected Journal of Animal Ecology 46, 1977. plumage was white. The legs, bill and eyes were 1 Antarctic Fulmar, 1 Shy Mollymawk, 1 (ANTHEA GOODWIN) Blue Petrel, 2 Grey-headed Mollymawks and 2 * * * * were the normal bright red colourat~on.This follows the report of an albmo oystercatcher Cape Pigeons. Revision of Seabirds Handbook on Otago Pen~nsulaIrl December 1977, by Sightings of Antarctic Petrels along the THE HANDBOOK OF AUSTRALIAN SEA- Mike Tarburton (Notornis 25: 1081. Wellington West Coast by local members have BIRDS by D. L. Serventy, V. N. Serventy & been reported by MAX FALCONER. JmMoore John Warham, published by Reeds, is now out saw two close inshore and a further two well of print and a new edition is in preparation. The Mapping Scheme out to sea off the Foxton Beach, all were flying authors would welcome suggestlons for Now that winter is over members should be strongly. At Hokio Beach Max Falconer, Reg improvements, additions and corrections. Also getting out into the field more often and Cotter. Allan and Iris Gollop saw one fly over needed are good photographs, preferably covering mapping scheme squares. To be the beach and foredunes, first of all flying black and whites, of Little Black Shag, Lesser sure that you record all species withtn a square strongiy south and then returning north. A Crested Tern, Providence Petrel and Littie don't forget to search as many different types little later Max and Reg were at Otaki Beach Tern, taken in Australia. Please send any of habitat as possible. and saw one bird In an exhausted condition suggestions to Dr J. Warham, Zoology Cards are available from your RR or Peter rise from the beach about 100 m ahead of Department, University of Canterbury. Private Gaze, Ecology D~vision,DSIR, Nelson. them. Farther along the beach it dropped at the Bag, Christchurch. Return completed cards to your RR so edge of the surf and was being rolled about by * * * * efforts can be concentrated on filltng gaps. the waves when they approached. After Grey-faced Petrels Across the Tasman, 3 000 000 square recording all the plumage details they could Members D. Anderson, Paddy Latham, miles, 720 species and an Atlas to publish, is from 2 metres away they attempted to catch Bruce Goffin and son Geoff spent the evening the task ahead of the Royal Australasian their first Antarctic Petrel; however an of 17 August on Mount Maunganui looking for Ornithologists Union as they begin compiling exhausted Antarctic Petrel proved to be faster Grey-faced Petrels. The burds were found the first Australian bird atlas. At the end of by about 30 cm than Reg Cotter in prime without difficulty. Seven were found on the year 1 (December 1977) record sheets were condition. The bird flew along the beach ground near their burrows and an egg was coming in at the rate of 1 000 per month and towards Otaki and they were unable tc find it found in a shallow burrow. Many more birds 60% of the 1O grid blocks had been at least again. were heard flying overhead, indicating that the visited. With four more years ahead of them Other unusual movements and numbers of Grey-faced Petrel continues to nest on the this augurs well for the success of the seabirds in the area have been highlighted by Mount in good numbres. scheme. beach patrols along South and West Wellington beaches during August. These As it is unlikely that evolutionary change In From the Banding Office, JEAN LLEWELYN include Antarctic Fulmars (about 20). Fulmar an originally pure Lesser Redpoll population reports that Mallards have been moving about Prions, White-headed Petrels, Blue Petrels, could have produced these changes in the the country. A bird banded at Pukepuke Westlana Black Petrels and Shy Mollymawks. century since 1862 when Redpolls were first Lagoon in Manawatu was shot near Gore and With such a variety and number of seabirds introduced Dav~dhas suggested that the birds banded in the Wairarapa were shot at being picked up by beach patrollers in these original introductions contained a proportion Woodend and Kaiapoi, coastal Canterbury. reglons it would be useful for beaches in other of Mealy Redpolls (and possibly other sub- areas to be checked as well. Much valuable species as well, e.g. the Iceland Redpoll). In information about the distribution of seabirds fact, the British 'Handbook' states that Arrowtawn acquaintances of Helen and at sea can be obta~nedby a leisurely stroll unusual numbers of Mealy Redpolls w~ntered Mervyn Jukes report watching a Falcon along the beach, so why not try it. in Britain In the wlnter of 1861-62 (the pursue a White-faced Heron in circles of subspecies breeds in Scandanavia) and it IS decreasmg height from about 30 to 0.5 m. from these winter flocks that the b~rd-trappers The Falcon had almost made contact when the JIM and MAUREEN MOORE report a number were most likely to have obtained the b~rds heron swerved under some willows by the of interesting seabird sightings off Foxton which were sent to N.Z. and released in 1862. Arrow River and escaped. Beach during August. During the weekend of Falla, S~bson and Turbott (1970). after In mid-August, MARGARET DIVERS of 26-27 August these included sightings of 8 mentioning Davld's findings, reported that Southland saw an encounter between a Antarctic Fulmars, 6 Cape Pigeons, 40-50 Redpolls showing strongly 'mealy' characters Harrier and a hare In a paddock close to the Shy Mollymawks, 1 Wandering Albatross, had been noted In the Firth of Thames and on house. The Harrier appeared to be swooping over 30 G~antPetrels and more than 20 Bullers Great Mercury Island. This, taken along with on the hare, which stood on its hlnd legs and or Grey-headed Mollymawks, plus large the recent report from Otago and David's work warded off the Harrier's attacks w~th~ts front numbers of shearwaters which were flying too in Canterbury and Otago, lnd~cates that legs. Thls lasted for about three mlnutes and low over the waves to identify specifically. probably all the N.Z. populatrons are mixed. ended with the hare racing off across the These coast watching observations are with several subspecies ~nterbreed~ng.The paddock for the cover of a nearby plantat~on. a valuable addition to the beach patrol results fact that they clearlv seem to be ~nterbreed~ng from the same area. in N.Z. supports thew class~ficat~onas subspecies rather than full species, but what IS From Otago GEORGE GRANT reports that really interesting is what is happening to them Spur-winged Plovers appear to be present in Ssabirds Identification Guide now, and what will happen In the future. If greater numbers than usual this August. On we assume homogenous m~xingthroughout 16 August a flock of 50 birds was seen at 'Southern Albatrosses and Petrels - an identification guide' by P. C. Harper and F. C. the N.Z. populations at the present time (and Riverside, some 6 km west of Mosglel While Klnsky is now available. Members can obtain whether or not this is true could be established looking for Cattle Egrets George noticed that copies of this excellent new and rev~sed by appropriate research), will the northern and Spurwings were abundant throughout the edmon at the reduced rate of $5 per copy from colder European Mealy Redpolls gradually sort district. On a low lying paddock near Waihola Peter C. Harper, Zoology Department, Victoria themselves out In the southern and colder a flock of about 100 b~rdswas feed~ngand University of Wellington, Wellington. parts of N.Z.? Sim~larsorting could also occur many smaller flocks of from 3 to 15 birds were in terms of altitude, w~thMealy Redpolls be~ng in evidence nearby. It would be interest~ngto found in the h~ghcountry and Lesser Redpolls know if other districts are in a s~milarsituation. From Auckland MICHAEL TAYLOR in the warmer and lower regions. reports that Little Shags in the Hobson Further sightings of Mealy Redpolls would Bay colony had begun to build by 29 help In galnlng a better understanding of the August, with 6 nests. Pied Shags had distribut~onof this subspecies w~thinN Z. If it Recent sightings also started to nest, presumably an overflow is found that a true N.Z. subspecies of the A Wh~te-neckedHeron has been reported by RUSS LACEY of Matamata. The bird was from their large colony 1 km away on Orakei Redpoll does evolve, ~t looks as ~f we should seen flying and despite a great car chase it Creek. call ~tthe Measly Redpoll. finally eluded its pursuer and has not been * * * * seen since. The White-necked Heron is one DAVID LAWRIE reports some seabirds being of the commonest herons in Australia, yet this All-red Redpolls found alive In unusual places. Early in June a is only the second recorded s~ghtingfrom N.Z. The following reply to the report of Helen Light-mantled Sooty Albatross was found on It may be a coincidence, but the first record of and Mervyn Jukes of seeing all-red Redpblls rn the side of the main road at Waitakaruru at the this specles for Papua New Guinea was Central Otago (OSNZ news 7) has been head of the Firth of Thames. The b~rdwas reported during May this year, perhaps received from DAVID STONEHOUSE, a senior cared for by Peter Howard for several days indicating a wider than usual dispersal of the lecturer in education at Massey University. while a boat was arranged to take it to sea for species. David published a paper on the taxonomy of release. However it died before ~t csuld be A Masked Booby has been reported from the N.Z. Redpolls in Notornis 10: 61-67 (1962). freed. Haurak~Gulf. On 14 July, following a severe storm, a Four Terek Sandpipers were seen at Miranda The suggested explanation of the all-red strange bird was found on the back lawn of a in April and one was seen at Karaka in March Redpolls is that not one but several of the house in the centre of Pukekohe. After a (Beth Brown). European subspecies of the Redpoll are consderable amount of head scratching it was A Grey Plover was seen at Karaka on 13 present and inter-breeding in the N.Z. finally Identifled as a Kerguelen Petrel. August by ROBIN CHILD. populations. His 1962 taxonomic findings On 18 July a Pukekohe farmer found a small During August 2 Hudsonian Whimbrel, 3 were based on measurements, colour of bird being attacked by magpies. After two Black Stilts, 2 Mongolian Dotterel and 12 Knot plumage, etc. of 268 birds live-trapped for days it died and several days later when Peter were seen at the Ashley Rivermouth by banding and measurement and then released. Wilkinson visited the ares he identified it as a KATHLEEN HARRISON, PHIL HOWELL and A number of these were found to have wlng- Lesser Broad-billed Prion. BILL ROGERS. lengths above the maximum given for Lesser * * * Redpolls by Witherby et al. 1943 'Handbook of British Birds'; also, various other individuals Spur-winged Plovers are continuing to showed plumage colouring typical of other spread through the North Island. Three birds Summer school of ornithology subspecies besides the Lesser Redpoll, were seen about 40 km west of Te Kuiti on 20 It is planned to hold a Summer School of notably that of the Mealy Redpoll. This latter August (reported to Wildlife Service). Ornithology at Ward, Marlborough, about mid- subspecies is distinguished by being slightly * * * January 1980. Emphasis will be given to a larger than the Lesser Redpoll, its brown upper A further addition to the long list of study of field techniques such as recording, plumage is paler and greyer, its wing-bars are recoveries from Petone Beach by SHANE counting, trapping and banding, photography, whitish rather' than buff, and, most COTTER was a Soft-plumaged Petrel. This IS identification, etc. significantly, red colouring is distributed very only the third record of this species from New This preliminary notice is being given to much more widely over the head and body. Zealand. enable members to plan their holidays to suit. A Baird's Sandpiper was seen at Miranda; it Information wanted really is time the dream observatory became as If any member has or knows of information on much a reality as these dream birds. the numbers and places involved in tha The Tarawerb mouth also continues to shooting of waders in the years before attract rarities. During June PADDY protection, please write to B. D. Heather, 10 LATHAM saw and photographed an Arctic GisbornelWairoa Notes: Jocelyn Crescent, Silverstream. The extent Tern, sitting among the Black-fronted Terns. On 28 September 1978 in the course of a of former shooting of such species as godwit, Sulphur Point has been an attraction to terns beach check in the Pouawa area, north of knot, Banded and NZ Dotterel in such localities also, on 20 August BRUCE GOFFIN found an Gisborne, JIM HENLEY and MAVIS WILLIAMS as Lake Ellesmere. Manukau Harbour, Ninety- immature L~ttleTern associating with an adult disturbed four Variable Oystercatchers (black phase). Of interest was an unusual mile Beach has apparently not been recorded. Fairy Tern. Early diary records, figures in earlier reports of Meanwhile, back at Lake Horowhenua, the occurrence of albinism in one of the birds, acclimatisation societies, records of numbers Whiskered Tern was still present when the evidenced by pure white primaries. This bird was studied with binocular assistance both in and species shot or sold for Christchurch past and present editors of OSNZ news took markets would be welcome. The only records time off from a weekend of head scratching a feeding situation and in flight, and the white feathers found to be evenly balanced in both found so far are rather vague references in and type-writer tapping. Another Whiskered Tern has been reported, wings. There was no unusual colour variation Stead's Life histories of NZ birds. in bill, eyes, or legs from its three companions. this time from Hood's Landing, on the Waikato GEOFF FOREMAN reports a female Cirl River between Aka Aka and Otaua. First seen Bunting from Wairoa, whilst BRUCE HENLEY on 27 August by TONY HABRAKEN and IAN reports a pair from .approximately the same SOUTHEY, the bird was still present on 30 August when Beth Brown and Dick Sibson area. A single sighting of a pair, and a further sighting of a female come from Jim Henley in checked the area. Gisborne. This species is very uncommon in the GisbornelWairoa area, in fact the Provisional Atlas lists only seven North Island square records. From Wairoa Bruce also has ARCHIE BLACKBURN wrltes: A change to noted a N.Z. Falcon taking Welcome Swallows rn~ldweather In G~sborne on 1st August on the wing. This appears to be an original Induced a palr of Fantails to commence Falcon sighting for Wairoa. bullding in a kanuka on the river frontage near the house In the early stages, one b~rdhad WANTED occaslon to fly across the rlver and, on leaving Colour transparencies of ALL species cover. ~t was ~rnmed~atelypursued by a and sub-species of birds found in New monarch butterfly and closely followed for Zealand. More than sixty New Zealand some 30 rn over the water, at a d~stanceof ornithologists are currently preparing a inches. It is generally understood that a After an absence of reports for many years, new definitive book on New Zealand birds female scent is all important in the love life of N.I. Pied Fantails in the black phase are again to be published by Readers Digest. As butterflies, but apparently visual aids are appearing in Gisborne. TED JONES reports each species is to be illustrated in colour, equally so. On 3 1 st August the Fantalk were one from the centre of Gisborne, and indiv~dual we wish to know of as many people as brooding 3 eggs when disaster came and one birds have recently been seen by both Jim possible who may have photographs of the palr disappeared. The palr had an Henley and Mavis Williams about the city which could be used. This is your unusually large territory, extendina some limits. There would now appear to be at least opportunity to participate in an exciting 150 m upstream, probably due to a scarcity three b~rdsIn the area. new work. of Fantalk follow~nglast season's d~sastrous At this stage only a list of photographs breeding, and into the territory of a marauding will be needed, not the slides themselves. cat. Ten days later I was pleased to see that Please send your name and address for the survivor had acquired another mate, and further details to C. J. R. Robertson, nesting is again under way. Managing Editor N.Z. Birds, P.O. Box 12397, Wellington North.

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