No.84 September 1997 Note: Deadline for the December issue will be 10th November.

Edited by TONY CROCKER 118 Cones Road, Ashley RD2 Rangiora. Phone: 03-313 4995, Fax: 03-364 2163 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. AGM Field Trips

Pouto Experience Harbour and distant views of Lakes Swan some time looking at the shop and and Humuhumu. The return to Onerahi museum area, and we then had a break in a fogged-up bus provided only limited for lunch in the hall at the headquarters. A busload of members left the Onerahi opportunities to continue observations. Except for the odd Fantail, all other birds Hotel for Dargaville in threatening were making themselves scarce. weather to meet up with Taylor Made Despite the weather participants Obviously they were making themselves Tours' "Bigfoot". We reached the wild enjoyed visiting this remote part of secure from the cyclone which was west coast sandy beach through the Northland, well known for its beach- moving in from the north. spectacular Mahuta Gap Gorge. Travelling wrecked seabirds. south, groups of South Island Pied and DAVID CROCKETT After a visit to Tane Mahuta and Variable Oystercatchers, and Pied Stilts viewing the vegetation and fungi about were feeding on the beach exposed by us, we boarded the bus and headed the outgoing tide. From time to time Trounson Park and northwands to the Hokianga, where the groups of Pied Shags and White-fronted Waipoua rain was heavier and our vision was and Caspian Terns flopped lazily out of restricted, which was disappointing as the track of our bus. we were unable to show off our birdlife At 8.30 am on 1 June, fourteen on the Hokianga Harbour. For morning tea we stopped at a small enthusiastic and raincoat-clad people set coastal lake near Round Hill. A brave out on a small tourist bus to do a round Our final stop was a Rawene, where group crossed the dunes in misty rain trip to Dargaville, Trounson Park, we dropped into the Boathouse Cafe. to observe Grey Ducks, Paradise Waipoua Forest, Rawene, Kaikohe and The joulrney home saw a further Shelducks, Black Swans, Pied and Little home down the main south highway. As deterioration in the weather, but maybe Shags and a pair of NZ Dabchicks. The we peered through the fogged up this was a way of saying "Come back again journey to Pouto along the open sandy windows we saw the rain-drenched and see our birdlife in the sunny north". beach in deteriorating weather saw farmland, fogbound hills and the Wairoa MARGARET DOWDELL godwits, NZ Dotterels and Banded River flowing true to form - upside down: Dotterels added to the species already "too thick to drink and too thin to observed. plough". Mystery Trip As we reached the historic Marine Hall Thanks to Lorna Simpkin and the bus at Pouto, the showery rain became driver, everyone got the run-down on The weather was unkind and promising continuous and remained that way for the areas as we went along, even though worse. Finally the bus arrived - it wasn't the rest of the afternoon, developing into it was difficult to see. However there late, we weren't due to leave until 0900. a cyclone the next day. In the shelter of seemed to be plenty of chatter about First stop - supermarket. I didn't notice the hall a hearty meal was provided by among the passengers as we went. any birds but the biscuits were nice. the local community from a mobile Morning tea was shared with the rain We headed towards Whangarei, then kitchen. This break saw much chatter, at Trounson Park. We all went on a north. Stuart kept noticing the odd bird questions and sharing of ornithological refreshing walk here, and some of us were along the, way. Out onto the old Russell experiences. Because of the recently fortunate to see a harrier taking off across road, discussing our wild ginger. ploughed fields, access to Lake our path and through the undergrowth We turned down to Oakura, stopped Humuhumu was impossible and our visit to the forest perimeter. Our forest was at the southern end. There were a pair was abandoned. "Big Foot" and a four- being viewed at its best and even masses of Variable Oystercatchers, and a few wheel van headed instead back along the of fungi were showing up along the track, people with umbrellas walking the beach. beach towards North Head, in an attempt much to everyone's interest. to visit Stick Lake. Strong winds and Back to the bus, and on to Punaruku, torrential rain saw our band beat a retreat The next stop was the Waipoua down the side road. Left the bus and to Pouto and the awaiting bus. However lookout. Our normally expansive views walked along the forestry road, didn't we were able to view the massive sand were very limited, but those who climbed leave the track as there was 1080 laid. 1 dunes sculpted by relentless onshore the lookout managed a sight of some of caught a fleeting glimpse of a Tomtit, a winds. the forest area. few Silvereyes and Fantails, but most birds had taken shelter elsewhere. Back to the Leaving Pouto we headed northwards It was disappointing to find that our bus and heading out towards Bland Bay. with views of the extensive Kaipara speakers from DOC at the Waipoua headquarters were at a tangi. We spent Stop! One of our South Island friends - OSNZNews - No.84 - September 1997 1 I still trying to look out the window movements (sometimes quite amazing) successes in nest movement and captive spotted something. Backed up. Yes, there of "our" shorebirds. Some interesting hatching have been tempered by the they were, two Brown Teal, sitting on titbits of information from the national weather, especially the cyclones and high the water, doing what they ought to. On surveys revealed that Canterbury and tides. to Whangaruru North, lunch stop. Most Southland are the two main areas for Prue Cozens reported findings from headed out for a walk in the rain. A White- nesting Black-billed Gulls (over SO%), one of Northland's longest running fronted Tern and some shags were seen. and numbers of White-fronted Terns are programmes - the 25 years of monthly After this, people could discuss the estimated to be between 4,700-8,500 (but beach patrols south of the Maunganui relative merits of various brands of with some areas needing more coverage). Bluffs. Prue concentrated on the major raincoats. Several declining and/or endangered wrecks of petrels and shearwaters, Back to Whangarei, down to the port. species were covered in the programme, comparing average numbers per Looked at one of the pond - about 50 including Fairy Terns and the work kilometre with seasonal averages . She Royal Spoonbills huddled at the far end. underway to turn around their low concluded that some years, like 1975, Puddled around in the mud, back to the numbers, attempts to transfer Shore were particularly bad and produced bus and so to Onerahi. Plovers (they seem to have minds of their major wrecks of prions, Antarctic Fulmars, Pity about the weather, but thanks own on this matter, with a disconcerting Sooty Shearwaters and diving petrels. Tony Beauchamp and driver. habit of flying off the island they are Fairy Prions were the most common placed on, but it's obvious the team major wreck with six occurrences. It has members are increasing their knowledge been eleven years since a major wreck. JEAN HAWKEN rapidly), and the on-going sad tale of the David Medway reported on the first decline of Brown Kiwi in Northland. European knowledge of Pacific island Fortunately for all these species it became avifauna. which initially emanated from Scientific Day apparent from the talks that good the three voyages of Captain James Cook progress is being made into between 1768-80.The records kom these The last day of May was also Science Talks understanding the problems and using voyages are the essential basis of Day at this year's OSNZ AGM and this information to improve management ornithology in these areas. However conference, held within the solid walls efforts. many of the species discovered then are of the Onerahi Hotel in the far north city Finally there was a talk about the now endangered or extinct. The sources of Whangarei. Unlike last year's meeting fascinating lifestyles of Weka on different of knowledge are the journals, at Foxton Beach there were no gaps in islands (they fight on Kapiti, vigorously manuscripts, drawings and specimens the planks with Arctic cold air whistling, defending territories, but not on Kawau) kept, made or collected by a number of nor even an earthquake to shake things and the sources for the study of historical participants on these voyages. Many up, but there was an over-active cooling ornithologyin the south Pacific (including drawings and specimens are the basis system (at least near the back of the room) a sad lesson from Tahiti about how things of the first valid description of birds. Most to get the troops toughened up for the have changed). specimens had a chequered history and field trip day. few survive. David described the location The talks were a good mix of All in all a most delightful and informative (if sometimes chily) session. of important elements of the literature ~interesting~topics~~ony~B~auC~amPPdid and where to-find them. - - - a good job of keeping things on track ~anqihanks~tbZill3iFs~ak~iE chair for the work they did to make this Shaarina Boyd took on the task of - and lively Afew quick statistics (Icouldn't reporting on a team effort by the resist!). The talks by habitat were: sea a very rewarding day Department of Conservation to re- and shore 4, lakes or river 3, islands 3 establish Shore Plovers on the New and bush 1. Water, water everywhere ... FRANCES SCHMECHEL Zealand mainland. The project team The men significantly outnumbered initially looked for an island similar to women as speakers 9 to 2 - a definitely Rangatira in the Chatham Islands and skewed sex ration in science-speak. The annual Scientific Day talks in conjunction with the AGM were held on selected Motuora Island in the Hauraki Appropriately several talks 31 May in Onerahi, Whangarei. Tony Gulf. Shaarina reported that the Shore highlighted activities in Northland. The Beauchamp introduced the session with Plovers were not so fussy and, apart from audience was updated on the results of some comments on the problems with eight, have decided to do some exploring many years of beach patrols on the west Red-billed Gulls at the refinery at Marsden of the Hauraki Gulf, using habitats not coast of Northland, surveys of Pouto lakes Point and the methods that were used found on Rangatira. In addition (revealing they provide habitat for some to remove nesting birds from a coliform unforeseen problems like Morepork and endemics such as NZ Dabchick, scaup sensitive discharge lake. Plastic owls were harrier predation were encountered. and shoveler, along with other found to be the best deterrent. The morning session ended with a established and introduced species), and Ralph Powlesland reported the presentation bYvpeter Schweigman on bird studies on the Chicken Islands findings of the past two annual surveys the current status of breeding sites and (examining the results of removing kiore w of breeding colonies of White-fronted winter distribution of Royal Spoonbills. - looking better without kiore). Terns and Black-billed Gulls. The Peter has made regular reports to Three talks covered large presentation showed how difFicult it was members in OSNZNews and is preparing geographical areas; the results of the to interpret some of the information and this presentation for Notornis. Black-billedGull and White-fronted Tern Ralph requested clarification on the The afternoon session commenced survey, trans-hemisphere wader search methods and follow-up in some with Adrian Riegen giving a breakdown migration, and the establishment and regions. There were differencesbetween of the nine countries with shorebird spread of Royal Spoonbills in New the years which may have reflected network sites, and those most important Zealand (a species full of mystery, weather patterns or acquired knowledge in New Zealand for waders. Each site had especially for such large and majestic between the years. Council has approved to meet the Ramsar criterion of holding birds. Take home message - do, do, DO another survey next year. 20,000 shorebirds or 1%of the flyway remember to look for bands if you spot Richard Parrish followed with an population. Staging sites are as important one). The audience was treated to a map account on the trials and successes with as wintering or breeding sites. New of New Zealand's top wader spots, how Fairy Tern breeding and post breeding Zealand has two networksites in the Firth New Zealand fits into the East Asian- surveys in Northland, Over the past few of Thames and Farewell Spit. Doug Australasian flyway and Shorebird Reserve years staffhave been employed to protect Watkins is the coordinator in Canberra, Network, which waders species occur the breeding sites and to get information and he facilitates the formation of sites here in high numbers, and the on predation and nest losses. Recent and, where possible, the joint

2 OSNZNews - No.84 - September 1997 management by government and non-government organisations. Hugh Robertson reported on the experimental design of the North Island Brown Kiwi programme in Northland and the impact of stoats on kiwi chicksurvival. Predator trapping had dramatically improved survivorship of young kiwi. Hugh had just released juvenile kiwi at ages and sizes considered to be beyond the highest risk of stoat predation as part of the Kiwi Recovery Plan. Kay Pierce gave a presentation on the problems of conservation of Pycroft's Petrel on the Chickens Islands off Whangarei. Recent removal of kiore from Lady Alice and Whatupuke Islands has led to a breeding recovery of Pycroft's Petrels. However there are still significant problems with burrow competition and overlap with Little Shearwaters which poses interesting management problems. David Crockett spoke about the Pouto Purticipants on the Fur North Field trip 2-4 June 1997. lakes system at the North Kaipara Head, Photo: Puul Cuming covering the changes in the levels of the lakes and their dynamic nature as changes 142 birds (Spatulate schweigmani?) - a boat trip on Rangaunu Harbour. On have occurred in land use. He also were perched on some macrocarpas. It nearby Lake Rotokawau resided over 25 alluded to problems with multiple bed wasn't long before Bev 'that bird is Australian Little Grebes and about four ownership. The study will continue for banded' Woolley clocked up the first NZ Dabchicks. another two years before analysis and colour banded spoonbill - the first of We left the Far North for Kerikeri publication. approximately forty banded birds seen where eight of us were entertained by during the trip. Peter Schweigman's grin Stuart and Alison Chambers on Finally Tony Beauchamp considered just kept getting wider! the problems of Weka territoriality and Northland's best kept accommodation home range, contrasting the cost and For the next two days the group secret - Aroha Island. During the stay benefits of the highly territorial situation swarmed over the peninsula, taking in bitterns, kiwi and Reef Herons were on Kapiti Island with the overlapping remote localities such as Paua and Te spotted, and a crake, minus the spots, home range structure on Kawau Island. Hapua on the Parengarenga Harbour, was heard. Thanks to Alison and Stuart, Weka had similar behaviour and calls, Houhora Heads and our base camp, and to Lindsay Charman who, on the but members of each population used Waitiki Landing, about 20 kilometres second night, taught us how to listen them for different purposes. The south of Cape Reinga. Fernbirds were for kiwi. Aroha Island has a pair, possibly territorial systems and habitat use seen at Paua, while a tame Kotuku named two. differences resulted in significant Heck was taking in the scenery at 'Thanks to Northland OSNZ for differences in timing of pair bond Houhora. planning the field trip, to the Howells establishment and the number of pairs The spoonbill colony at Nilsson's dam for a superb catering job and local breeding each year. The factors impacting on the Parengarenga was visited, with knowledge, along with Far North RR Janet on individual survival were different. one bird present and some nests visible Snell and David Crockett. Kapiti Island was a more stable perched in dead trees which were partly PAUL CUMING environment, lacking the periodic underwater, victims of the dam. catastrophic drought impacts found on The colony was quite unlike the raised Kawau. glasswort beds of Vernon Lagoons near The organisers would like to thank Blenheim, and the tall, live trees at Gull and Tern Survey - those who contributed to the success of Okarito. Preliminary Results the programme and those who attended. Some of us visited Cape Reinga, marvelling at the spiritual aura of the The information from the 1996/37 survey TONY BEAUCHAMP place, as well as spectacularviews. Pipits is in the attached table, along with that were enjoying the sunshine here, and from 1995/96 for comparison. The ?s in at nearby Tapotupotu Bay. This beach the table indicate that I don't know Far North Field Trip revealed one dead White-headed Petrel whether the site was not counted (NC) and dozens of seabirds offshore. We or no birds were found nesting there (0). When the AGM and associated tropical returned to Waitiki that day to see coveys If any member has information for either cyclone adjourned, 14 rather damp of Brown Quail scurrying about. of the summer surveys not recorded or individuals decamped and fled north. The poor spoonbills weren't left alone recorded incorrectly in the table, would Land north of Whangarei, and all the way for the final day - they were positively they please let me know. to Kaitaia, lay under inches of water. hounded! The blitz covered from The increased coverage in 1996/97 Roads at Kaeo, and our first destination Parengarenga in the north to Rangaunu is pleasing, with colonies found at several at Lake Ohia, were under water. Our in the south. The simultaneous count new locations. I thank all those that took planned beach patrol of Ninety Mile netted over 250 birds, so these beautiful part for their efforts, especially to those Beach was scrapped due to unpredictable white birds have certainly invaded the that organised the regional surveys. sweeping waves on shore. After a lunch north in big numbers. Otago birds were The total of about 48,000 nesting stop at Laurie and Alison Howell's Kaitaia seen, much to Peter's delight - long pairs of Black-billed Gulls is nearly 5,000 home, the Great Spoonbill Hunt began distance travellers like himself. (11%) up on the previous season's total. at Unahi on the southern shores of Unfortunately another planned However, not too much can be made of Rangaunu Harbour. activity was cancelled due to the weather this because nearly 12,000 pairs were

OSNZNews - No.84 - September 1997 31 counted on the Mataura River in Bay of Plenty Te Hue Point 5 Southland that was not checked the Ohiwa Harbour 0 c.30 Elliots Bay 17 previous year. The total of about 8,800 Hawkes Bay HokiangaHahour 3 pairs of nesting White-fronted Terns in Napier Wharf c.20 0 WhanganiHadmur 50 1996/97 is 83% greater than the previous Wanganui 0 0 MangdwhaiEshmy 3 season's tally. Most regions found more Manawatu Guano Rock 0 nesting terns in the second season. Manawatu/Mangahou Rs Bream Tail Stack 0 Considering the Northland and Nelson results where the survey effort was c.10 NC Middle Stack (Chickens) reasonably consistent for both seasons, Wairarapa 0 0 0 the number of pairs found nesting has Wellington 0 0 Te Kura Rocks 0 increased by 160% and 125% respectively Nelson Cone Rock 0 for those regions in 1996/97. Going Buller/Howard Rs c.75 0 Nukutanga Is (Cavallis) against the trend was Marlborough, Upper Matakitaki R c.10 ? 0 where the tally declined by about 20% Motueka R ? 70 Opunga Cove 0 in the second season. c.85 70 Motutohe Is 0 The difference in total pairs of Black- Marlborough c.449 billed Gulls and White-fronted Terns Upper Buller R 82 ? Auckland nesting in 1995/96 and 1996/97 is the Wairau Bridge c.200 ? Rat Island 58 result of a number of factors. These Ure R Mouth 5 ? Okahu Bay 94 include more pairs attempting to nest Sugarloaf Point, Shell Is 36 in 1996/97 than during the previous Kaikoura 0 Yes Karekare 40 season for whatever reason, increasing Kahutara R mouth ? flooded Muriwai 70 organisational skills and knowledge of observers as a result of experience so c.287 ? Waiheke Is 4 that more colonies were found in the West Coast 0 0 Papakanui 300 second season, and the influence of Great Barrier Is 16 frequent stormy weather and perhaps Canterbury Tiritiri Matangi Is 0 predators, such that fewer pairs were Conway R 649 Rakino Is 0 nesting in the first season when colony Waiau R 1624 (2) Ponui Is ? sites were checked. Hurunui R 3+ Motuihe Is 0 Because the totals for the two seasons Ashley R 257 (2) Half Moon Bay marina are quite different, joint discussions of Waimakiriri R 91 ? Councillors and Regional Representatives Peacock Springs 78 Tawharanui Reg. Park at the Whangarei AGMKonference Rakaia R 732 (2) ? concluded that the survey should be k5hburton R 7% 0 Noises Islands ? repeated for a third (and final) season Orari R ? c.650 in 1997/98. Funding is to be made Opihi R loG3.(3y - South Auckland ' available to regions to assist with costs, Opuha Dam 1409 Kidds 92 such as plane and boat hire, and petrol Ahuriri R ? Miranda 7 1 for cars. I'm hopeful that members will be willing to repeat their efforts of 1996/ Tekapo R ? Alderman Islands 25 97, when a fairly complete survey for Cass R ? Sand Is 0 colonies of both species on and about Tasman R ? 188+ the main islands was carried out. c.13592 Coromandel Otago Tarama ? Waitaki R ? Ruamahunga ? RALPH POWLESLAND Matukituki R 296 (2) Korapuki Is ? GulllTern Survey Convenor 296 Hikanui ? Southland ? Black-billed Gull Aparima R cXO Waikato Oreti R crnl(5 Woody Head 34+ G, Numbers of nests: Taharoa 10+ Waiau R c.4635 I22596 1996/1)7 Albatross Point NC (3) 44+ Upukerora R ? Northland 0 0 Taranaki Mararoa R ? Port Taranaki 57 Mataura R c. 11963 Auckland Pararaki Islet 0 c.33474 Rat Island 3 Other Surgarloaf Islets Shell Island 9 NC TOTALS c.43000 c48000 South Auckland TmR& 0 Kidds 26 57 Miranda 80 White-fronted Tern Volcanic Plateau 0 Mataitai,%aR. ? Numbers of nests: 1995/36 1996197 106 Gisborne-Wairoa Northland Long Point c.25 Waikato 0 Three King Islands 50 + NC Marau Point c.35 Taranaki .O Moturoa Islands 50 100 Portland Is c.750 Volcanic Plateau Walker Is 133 523 Wairoa R estuary ? Sulphur WiRotom 166 1 0 ~~ c.810 Gisborne-Wairoa Black Rocks 33 172 Bay of Plenty Portland Island 17 Tapeka Point 57 9 Sulphur Point 89 Motutara Is 47 0 Waiaua Estuary 0 - September 1997 Maketu Spit Cosy Nook ? c.100 10 January, upon arrival at the nest site Whale Is Bird Is, Waituna ? c.100 there was no sign of the chick. The Ohiwa Big Solander Is NC c.25 parents were roosting 30 metres inland. c.238 c.425 Cyclone Drena arrived that day. Later Hawkes Bay TOTALS c.4800 c.8800 viewing of the video footage revealed that Napier Wharf the chick had died during the night. Ngaruroro R Exactly what happened to its body remains a mystery. Porangahau Estuary Waitangi Estuary At Papakanui Spit the breeding Cape Kidnappers attempts of an unbanded pair met with the same misfortune. A two egg nest was detected on 28 November. The pair Wanganui incubated for almost three weeks until Manawatu the eggs disappeared overnight on 13 Wairarapa December. The disappearancewas within Castle Point the window of time in which the eggs Onoke Spit were expected to hatch, so it is possible near Tora that newly hatched chicks were lost. Predation was the suspected cause. A Wellington Fairy Tern Recovery second 'nest, presumed to have come Ward lsland Programme from the same pair, was detected on 26 Kapiti Island December. The nest was deserted during Mana lsland extreme weather conditions during The 1996/97 breeding season was a Cyclone Fergus. The egg was transported disappointing one for Fairy Terns. To to AucMand Zoo where it was incubated Nelson quote Richard Parrish "it was an unusual for several days before it was determined Bells lsland season right from the start". Few pairs to be infertile. White Rocks nested (four in total), and the first egg It is thought that no Fairy Tern chicks Bird Is was laid later in the season (around 27 fledged in New Zealand during the 19961 Chetwode Islands November). In recent years the earliest 97 breeding season. This was an South Trio nesting attempt has been on 13 extremely disappointing and D'Urville Is plus November. disheartening result for all concerned, Nelson Boulder Bank 0 B-M and G-M nested on the spit at particularly the three Shorebird Cable Bay ? Mangawhai Wildlife Refuge. Incubation Protection Officers Andrea Booth, Doug Motueka Sandspit 0 seemed to pass without a hitch and two Campbell and myself. healthy chicks hatched on 20 December. Jag Rocks 0 Both chicks grew rapidly and were A Fairy Tern Recovery Group meeting Croisilles Harbour 0 approximately eight and nine days old was held in Whangarei on 14 April. In 424 when Cyclone Fergus hit on 29 one day the group nutted out the Marlborough December. Both chicks were highly direction for the Recovery Programme Coast Road, Kaikoura 2 + mobile and were left with their parents. and the Recovery Plan for the next five Fitst Tunnel, Kaikoura c.33 Two days later they were gone. B-M and years. I believe the Recovery Plan is a Bamey'sRock,Kaikoura 132 G-M were seen searching the area for strong pro-active document based on the Ure R mouth 155 the following two days. The chicks were great wealth of knowledge and experience held by those people who Otumatu Rock 0 never located and are presumed to have attended the meeting, and that it will Ohau hint, Kaikoura 0 died. play a positive role on the recovery of Paratitahi Tunnel, A second pair (both unbanded) nested on the island at Mangawhai on the species. Richard Parrish was Kaikoura 0 unanimously elected Recovery Group Goose Bay, Kaikoura 0 27 December. They laid one egg and when Cyclone Fergus hit they had been Leader during the meeting. Irongate Stream, incubating for only two days. The pair In addition a Fairy Tern database is Kaikoura 0 are thought to have continued incubation currently being developed, which will Sugarloaf Is, Kaikoura 0 during the cyclone, but when the egg incorporate information on the breeding Kaikoura Peninsula 0 was candled at twelve days it was found attempts, sightings and plumage/ c.322 to be non-viable. morphology of the New Zealand Fairy West Coast At Waipu Wildlife Refuge WB-M and Tern. So if you have any information on Punakaiki 30+ an unbanded bird nested on the seaward Fairy Terns in your OSNZ notebooks Oparara Estuary ? side of the spit on 13 December. The please send them to Richard Parrish for 30+ nest was sand-bagged to provide inclusion in the database. Canterbury protection from the tide during Cyclone Post breeding monitoring was carried Rakaia R mouth 13 Fergus, and one egg was taken to out during the autumn months by DOC Ashley R 192 Whangarei for incubation in captivity as staff and eager OSNZers. Although no Hurunui R mouth ? a precautionary measure. Cyclone Fergus chicks were produced this season, the 205 devastated the sandspits at both Waipu post breeding surveys allowed us to monitor the survivorship of adult and Otago and Mangawhai. The egg which remained at Waipu was washed by the tide and immature birds. Six post breeding surveys Waitaki R c.968 chilled. The developing chick perished were carried out and a minimum of four Long Beach 120 within the egg. Incubation of the other individuals and a maximum of 26 Doctor's Point ? egg was continued in Whangarei and the individuals were sighted on any given c.1088 chick hatched on 8 January. It was day. Eighteen birds were positively Southland transferred into the nest of the unbanded identified, including five unbanded birds. Jacob's R estuary c.50 pair at Mangawhai on 9 January. Three banded birds were notably absent, Joey's Island 168 Several brooding changeovers were and the five chicks banded during the New R estuary 20 witnessed and the -pau appeared-- to acceDt 1995/96 season. Waiau Bar ? 100~ ~ the chick. However on the morning of - OSNZNews - No.84 - September 1997 51 We are approaching the 1997198 have little place in a society dedicated offering yourself as a correspondent season with a positive and enthusiastic to the study and dissemination of (clippings from your region). This is outlook. Northland and Auckland groups information about birds. While something which could suit a less active of OSNZers who wish to be actively misunderstandings can and do occur person, and possibly reveal people in involved in the Fairy Tern Recovery within any group of enthusiastic people, the community who might like to have Programme are being organised by they need to be resolved reasonably, some contact with the Society. What about Audrey Williams (09 437 6041) and being aware of the facts and without some contributions from those budding Gwenda Pulham (09 480 5535).Contact prejudice or acrimony by those who have artists out there? Design a bird logo for them if you would like to help. the problem. Our resources as a society your region to identify your part of the Some dates for the up and coming are not so plentiful that we can afford country in OSNZ News. I know some season are 5-7 December - breeding the luxury of confusion in the way we members are already becoming regular census of all potential and known sites operate national and local activities. The surfers of the Web, and some even have in Auckland and Northland, and 18-19 introduction of the events calendar on their own Web pages. How about April - post breeding census of these sites. the OSNZ News back page is designed reporting your 'birding finds' in a regular Anyone wishing to participate is invited. to, at least in part, prevent duplication Web comer - all things to foster an interest Accommodation has been booked at and improve communication. in birds. It probably means that even on Tapora. For further information contact Communication has been very much a wet day there may be things that you me at Northland DOC on 09 438 0299. an issue in my mind over the past few can find and share with others. I would like to thank all those people, months. I must apologise if I have been It is science fair time again. We have DOC staff and Northland and Auckland somewhat slow to respond on some just awarded a prize to a marvellous 4th OSNZ members, who have given their matters, but the needs of structural former from Tawa College combining time, energy and enthusiasm to the New changes in DOCas well as having to chair records of birds at sea in Cook Strait with Zealand Fairy Tern Recovery Programme. two publications reviews at the same time beach patrol records. Great to hear that The road to recovery for Fairy Terns is have overflowed into all available a Society scheme has been used in such going to be long and full of obstacles, moments. After a slow start there was a a way. It only goes to show that it is never but if we all pull together and work as a very significant response from members too young to start, always good to record team we might just be able to get these and others to our OSNZ publications what you see, and imperative that it be little birds back on track! review. At least 250 individuals responded shared with others. in some form or other. About half of these LEIGH HONNOR Welcome to the newcomers to the responded via a short survey form Society. The mail bag seems to have had originally designed by the Auckland a steady stream of new members recently, region. The resultant heap of paper was and the present membership is the a challenge to your review team. Their highest it has been in June for many years. recommendations will be made to the Congratulations! Spring is coming and September Council meeting. another birding summer is on the way. Most of the recommended changes If it is going to be a significant El Nino should result in a clearer understanding event, look for strange things which might of the processes that we need to operate affect birds, their behaviour or their to publish the Society products and so habitats. Keep the Editors busy, enjoy more clearly identify the products your birding, and be willing to do From the President's themselves and their content. 'There may something for your Society - don't leave Desk not be many obvious changes it to other people to entertain you. Share immediately, as some will take a little the good ideas with your RRs and give When one is continuously surrounded time to plan and organise. However, one them a hand without having to be asked. by acting positional roles and reviews, of the first will probably be the clearer Above all, communicate! there is a tendency to find life a little and darker type in this issue ofNotornis and OSNZNews. I know this has troubled theatrical. Since I last contemplated my C.J.R. ROBERTSON presidential pen I have been able to make some members. President a short visit to RAOU HQ in Melbourne The issue of communication is (to study their website operation and hear paramount throughout all Society activity about progress on the Handbook) while Many ornithologists are keen workers over there on a real theatrical visit. Then in small groups or on their own. The Minutes = AGM 1997 back across the ditch with a drive the challenge is always to let others know length of the North Island to the AGM what you have been up to or are planning and a vagaries of a Northland inundated to do. In this area, OSNZ News as the The following are the MINUTES OF THE with ornithologists on annual migration society magazine will be what you as FIFTY SEVENTH ANNUAL GENERAL and a late tropical cyclone. members contribute. Many submissions MEETING OF THE ORNITHOLOGICAL The AGM was as always an interesting asked for more illustrations. Many SOCIETY OF NEW ZEALAND HELD AT event and well reported in this and the members are taking photographs all of WHANGAREI, NORTHLAND ON 31 MAY last OSNZ News. A grateful thanks from the time during their studies, interesting 1997, commencing at 7.30 pm. the Society to all those from the region aspects of field trips etc. On the principle who worked hard to make the weekend that each picture is worth a thousand PRESENT: Christopher Robertson, run smoothly. Wellington is the venue words, then every picture you submit President, and 75 members. for next year and planning is already well should be an easier product than the APOLOGIES: Paul Sagar, Alan and advanced - details should be in your writing of the words. The Editor can only Connie Wright, Me1 Galbraith, Folkert and December OSNZ News. publish the material provided. If you want Shirley Nieuwland, Enfys Graham, Reg Members have had a good a news magazine with plenty of and Shane Cotter, Russell Thomas, opportunity this year to view the north illustrations etc, then you as members Michael Bell, Brian Boeson, Raewyn and its ornithological sights through the must play your part. Empson, Tenick Dennison, Audrey Field Course and Conference. Both had For instance there is always a number Gordon, Peter Gaze, Brian, Sue and David cyclonic weather events. Both also of news items or articles in newspapers Bell and the Bell family, Kerry Oates, seemed to generate some elements of a and magazines round the country on Hugh Clifford, Mike and Sharon Graham, parochial regionalism which seems to birds. These are important sources of Geoff Foreman, Bruce Stewart-Menteath information - often of rarities. How about - I OSNZNews - No.84 - September 1997 It was moved that the apologies be National Gull and Tern Survey: This It was moved that the President's accepted (D. MEDWAY/ H.HARTY) survey will continue for a third year to report be accepted. CARRIED optimise the results already obtained, (B. SEDDON / D. CROCKEl"1') DEPARTED FRIENDS: A period of particularly in the second year CARRIED silence was observed for the deaths of Trial Scheme for New Atlas: Council FINANCIAL REPORT: As the financial noted Society members during the year and RRs approved a two year pilot report had previously been circulated and - Gavin Woodward, Raewyn Smith and scheme, based on a limited number of as there was no discussion, it was moved Max Falconer. bird species, as a lead-in to the new atlas that it be adopted. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES: As the project. It is hoped to get the scheme minutes of the 1996 AGM had been under way by 1January 1998, dependent (M. NEE / J. ROW) circulated, it was proposed that they be on finding a suitable person to administer CARRIED taken as read and adopted. it, and the money to fund it. A decision (M. NEE/ J. ROWE) CARRIED will be made at the Council meeting in September. NOTICE OF MOTION 1 - Winding up / Liquidation ELECTION OF OFFICERS: As there OSNZ News: This publication has was only one nomination for North Island increased in size with new sections being Due to an amendment to the Vice President, David Crockett was added. Tony Crocker and everyone who Incorporated Societies Act 1908, in 1993, elected unopposed. As there was only has contributed were congratulated on which was overlooked when reviewing one nomination for South lsland Vice some very good issues. the Constitution, the following motion, President, Paul Sagar was elected duly moved and seconded (D. MEDWAY/ unopposed. Notornis: A special issue on waders C. ROBERTSON) was put to the meeting: is planned as one of the journal parts There were four nominations That the existing Clause18 of the for 1998. It will be a memorial issue to received for three council positions. Constitution be deleted and replaced by: These were circulated in December 1996 Dick Sibson, Jenny Hawkins and Barrie and a postal ballot was held which closed Heather. on 16 May 1997 with 133 valid Internet and Website: A Society 18 LIQUIDATION Votes counted. Hazel Harty, Derek website is being considered, dependent Onley and Graeme Taylor were declared on finding someone to set it up and keep 18.1 The Society may be put into elected. it up to date. liquidation in the manner provided by Section 24 of the Incorporated Societies The meeting agreed to a motion that Publications Review: A committee has been set up to review all OSNZ Act 1908. the ballot papers be destroyed. publications. It will meet in August and 18.2 In the event of the Society being (B. WOOLLEY/ T. CROCKER) report to Council in time for the put into liquidation the surplus assets September meeting. Submissions close and funds after payment of the Society's PRESIDENT'S REPORT: In addition to at the end of June. Members were liabilities and the expenses of liquidation his annual report which had been strongly urged to contribute so that a shall be disposed of within New Zealand circulated, the President gave an update consensus may be reached. in one or more of the following ways: on a number of issues: Educational Publications: The Society 18.2.1 By transfer of the surplus Field Courses: Gwenda Pulham was will consider updating/publishing or assets and funds to any charitable body thanked for her work in organising the looking for a replacement for A Biology or organisation whose objects are in very successful field course at the Kaipara of Birds, originally by Barrie Heather, whole or in part similar to those of the during January of this year. It is proposed after a request from RRs for a basic book Society; or 18.2.2 For the to hold field courses on a rotational basis on birds. The Society is also working purposes of study and research in the starting with a Junior Course inJanuary towards organising an education field of zoology and the study of animals 1999 followed by a South Island course programme for schools. in their environment, or and a North Island course in the following Rare Birds Committee: A backlog of 18.2.3In any other charitable purpose two years. submissions is being worked through and decided by the Members and approved Field Studies: The wide range of field the committee's decisions are due to be by the Royal Society of New Zealand or studies in regions was commented on published shortly in Notornis. Members its successor. though it was noted that many of the were reminded to make sure that all rare 18.3 Provided, however, that under schemes, surveys and censuses are related bird sightings are sent in to the no circumstances shall any part of the to bird counts. committee. income or other funds of the Society be Society Schemes: It was remarked that Liaison Appointments: Three liaison used directly or indirectly for the private for a number of reasons, Beach Patrol, appointments have been made: Professor pecuniary benefit of any Member of the Nest Record and Moult Schemes show Euan Young with the Universities, David Society. a decline in support over recent years. Lawrie with the Fish and Game Council, AND: The contents list at the Meetings of Regional Representatives and Keith Woodley with the Miranda beginning of the Constitution should also and Council: RRs and Council met in Naturalists' Trust. be consequently amended to: joint and separate meetings for the Timing of Conference: Council will 18 LIQUIDATION second year running, a process which it look into whether changes are needed is hoped will develop further in the to hold conference during July school As there was no discussion the motion coming years. Recommendations from holidays or possibly some other time of was put to the meeting and RRs were able to be dealt with by Council year, to facilitate finding reasonable CARRIED. at their final meeting. venues and accommodation. NOTICE OF MOTION 2 - Annual Membership Changes: An enquiry HANZAB Volumes: Inquiries will be Subscription. into membership changes by Russell made to the RAOU concerning discounts It was moved and seconded (M. NEE Thomas has revealed that 30% of new on these books to OSNZ members. / H. IIARTY) that: members joining the Society have left Retiring Councillors: The thanks of The annual subscription rate for all after one year and 55%after three years. the Society were expressed to two retiring classes of membership paying It is not yet clear why this is so, but may councillors, Ralph Powlesland and Gabor subscriptions be increased by 12.5% and reflect what is happening in some other Lovei. G Lovei's term as editor ofNotornis that the increased rate apply from 1 societies. More young members are is extended to the end of the year pending January 1998. needed. the results of the publications review.

OSNZNews - No.84 - September 1997 71 Discussion: S Chambers queried whether there was a relationship between loss of members and higher subscriptions. The President replied that there were no rises in subscriptions that could be tied to a drop in membership, rather that membership had fallen off in a gentle decline. The Treasurer cited falling revenue not higher spending when clarifying a point raised by C. Scadden on the financial situation. W Ringer spoke for increasing the membership. H Cook inquired whether investments from Life memberships are sufficient to cover the costs of servicing those members. The Treasurer replied that investments are continually being reviewed to realise the best returns. B. Seddon advocated more publicity. There being no further discussion the motion was put to the meeting and CARRIED.

PRESENTATION OF AWARDS Peter Bull receiving his OSNZ Graham Turbott at the 1997 AGM. Fellowship. Photo: Lorna Simpkin Field Guide Author Photo: Lorna Simpkin A special commendation was made to into the early days of the Society and Hugh Robertson for his work as a Field brought closer those members who guide author and to all those members pioneered the study of birds in NZ in who contributed to the guide through that "golden age of ornithology" when many records such as those from the Nest almost everything was still to be Record Scheme. Hugh was offered all discovered. the copies that he does not possess to make up a full set of Notornis. GENERAL BUSINESS: New Member's Kit: D. Lawrie A.T. Edgar Junior Award commended a recommendation.fromthe Christopher Garden and Jamie Wood, meeting of Council and RRs that, to both of Southland were the joint encourage and inform new members, a recipients of the A.T. Edgar Junior Award new member's kit be developed, using for 1997. Lloyd Esler accepted the awards an introductory pamphlet and a possible on behalf of Jamie and Christopher and update of the book A Biology of Birds "The Supplication" ( - So that's how outlined some of their ornithological originally by Barrie Heather. RR's get results!) activities. Vote of Thanks to RRs: J. Davenport Photo: Lorna Simpkin proposed a vote of thanks to the Regional Robert Falla Memorial Award Representatives for all their work in the running of the Society, which was The President announced David Edgar supported by the meeting with Crockett to be the recipient of the Robert Calendar of Events acclamation. Falla Memorial Award for 1997, to a standing ovation from the meeting. Liaison with Official Departments: 31July - deadline for nominations David, in replying to the President's T. Beauchamp congratulated the Council for Regional citation (OSNZNews No. 83), expressed on appointing Prof. Euan Young as a Representative to the gratitude to many people, especially the liaison officer with the universities. He Secretary older generation of ornithologists who also suggested liaison with people had encouraged and assisted him in his working with birds on ethics committees 31 August - CSN - deadline for lifelong interest in birds. of official departments. material to CSN Conference Organisation: T. Crocker coordinators Updated job descriptions ELECTION OF FELLOWS . proposed a vote of thanks to the Northland organisers of the weekend, to Secretary Under the new constitution of the which was supported with acclamation. Society (1996), provision was made for 15 September- Projects Assistance Fund the first time for the election of Fellows Closure and 1998 Conference and - deadline for to the Society. The President took great AGM. applications to the Field pleasure in announcing as Fellows of the There being no further business Investigations Officer Ornithological Society of New Zealand the meeting was declared closed at - Brian Marples who as a previous 10.20 pm, with the post script that 27 September- Council meeting Honorary Life Member was automatically Wellington will be the venue for the next appointed a Fellow; Peter Creswick Bull Conference and AGM at Queen's Birthday 10 November- OSNZ News - deadline for and Evan Graham Turbott as new Weekend in 1998. material Fellows. It was an historic occasion. The two citation addresses by the President 31 January - Interim annual reports (Notornis 44 : 129-132) and the replies (a,scheme convenors, by both the new Fellows, gave the to Secretary) members present a memorable insight 8 OSNZNews - No.84 - September 1997 10 February - OSNZNews - deadline for New Members Sliding On material The Society would like to extend a warm Funds from the auction of books and 28 February - Notices of Motion and welcome to the following new members art at the 1992 AGM in Masterton helped Council nominations - to the end of 1996: set up the OSNZ Slide Library. Hundreds deadline for submissions Narena Olliver, Hilary Aikman, Joan of slides later, the collection stands at to Secretary Dunnet, Sunkita Howard, J.F. Puentenes, over 1,000. Recent purchases of Laurence Barea, Geoff & Jenny Doring, equipment to complete the library, and 15 April - Projects Assistance Fund Toni Cliff, Derrick & Linda Read; and the continued duplicating of slides, have - deadline for for 1997: Martin Abbott, Wei-Hang Chua, all but exhausted the funds. Slide applications to the Field Robbie Holdaway, E.J.G. Munster, Gavin duplication cost has risen 100% in the Investigations Officer & Rae McGregor, Amelia Oppenheim, Dr last year, which all contributes to the need R.K. Dell, Kristian Jones, Robyn Skelton, for alternative funding. 30 April - Convenors, RRs, Council Jenny Whyte, Ted Kitching, John & Marcia Therefore it has been decided to alter annual reports due Dwyer, Troy Makan, Laura McKinlay, Cate the charge and at the same time Ryan, R.M.E. Peach, Jason Elsworth, streamline the postal system. 10 May - OSNZNews - deadline for Jereon Lurling, Joanna Sim, Nicola The cost of borrowing slides from material Wallace, B.E. Bishop, H. Greatex, Alec the Library will be $10.00 including & Marion Milne, Steve McManus, Karrie postage and packaging. You may think Queen's Birthday Weekend - Rose, C.A.L. Smith, Ed Harvey, Edith Shaw, that this is expensive, yet to take slides - OSNZ AGM weekend Sara Treadgold, F.J.L. Nicole, Mr & Mrs from the film through to processing - Peter Fryer, Rachel Faulkner, Lois Blair, well exceeds the new charge, plus you 30 June - deadline of nominations Huakina Development Trust, Sandra can request as many as you like. You will for Awards to the King, Claire Winchester, Gina Williams, also be getting quality slides by the likes Secretary Jayne Wallace, Brie-Anne Litchfield,Janet of Geoff Moon, Brian Chudleigh and Don & David York, Martin Renner, David Pye, Hadden, plus many superb shots by Philip Benge, Morag Fordham, Mark "regular" members who are a dab McGuinness, Wang Godfrey, Christine photographic hand. Why sit in a hide for Friend, Rosemary Gatland, Hildegard days to capture one nesting bird when IOC Assistance = Lubake, Claus Yeling Anderson, Lyndon you can hire many similar shots in one Perriman, Nicholas Allen, Judy Broom, Durban 1998 go? Jaap Knegtmans,Jonathon Colyer, Gren Povall, Brent Beaven, Carolann Wood, Possibly RRs could help speakers by The New Zealand Ornithological meeting this charge - or part of it - from Congress Trust Board is offering travel Adele Smaill, Graeme Hancock, Rae Nicholls, Anna Reynolds, Rowena West, the allowance or from the evening's assistance fellowships valued at charge per head? NZ$1,000.00 each for up to two persons Paul Gasson, Michael Childs, G. Loh, to attend and participate in the 22nd David Barker. The new rules will ensure the valuable International OrnithologicalCongress to Overseas: L.H. Cady (UK), Eddie running of this service in the future. be held in Durban, South Africa, from Whalley (UK), B.WC. & A.D. Adams (UK), PAUL CUMING 16 to 22 August 1998.Registration papers Robert Guesten (Germany), Societe for the Congress can be obtained from d'ornithologie de Polynesie (French the undersigned of from the 22nd IOC Polynesia), National Zoological Park OSNZ Telescopes home page on http:/hww.ioc.org.za on Library (USA), Lloyd Kiff - Peregrine Fund the internet. (USA), Dr W Ross Silcock (USA). A reminder that the Society, several years Preference will be given to a) NZ ago, invested in a number of telescopes amateur or professional ornithologists Science Fair winners -Jane Temple, for use by members. RRs have details of who are members of the OSNZ or the NiMas Moore. where these are held - either by Royal Society of New Zealand, orb) post- themselves or others - and financial graduate students from a New Zealand HAZEL HARTY members of the Society are welcome to university who are undertaking a topic Membership Secretary make use of them, at no charge. relevant to the study of birds. Successful If you have never been a regular applicants will be required to forward telescope user, remember to organise to the Board by 30 November 1998 a this before your next day out. Birding report of their attendance at the Congress will never be the same again .... suitable for publication in OSNZ News. Donations to the Applicants for these fellowships Society should forward their ornithological Cy Mentor Scheme a reasons for attending the Congress, with All donations to the Society are gratefully supporting letters from two referees not accepted. Thank you to the following reminder being Board members to:- NZOCTB people: Travel Fellowship, P.O. Box 12397, John & Marcia Dwyer, N.D.R. The Mentor Scheme was initiated in Wellington. Applications close on 12 McKerehan & J.R. Alexander, Nancy September 1996, to provide members December 1997 and decisions of the Tanner, Martin McGuire, Brie-Anne who have observations or studies Board will be advised in January 1998. Litchfield, Michael Childs, Mark Sanders, remaining in notebooks and folders with The Board reserves the right to make Gail & Tessa Quayle, Kerry Walshe, Marie assistance, so that their observations are no awards. Neverman, Mr & Mrs WJ. Campbell, published in Notornis or OSNZ News. Nicholas Allen, David Barker, N.J. There are over 20 mentors distributed C.J.R. ROBERTSON Ledgard, Eddie Whalley (UK). throughout the country who are willing to assist members write up and publish Business Managel; NZOCTB their observations. HAZEL HARTY Mentors are willing to assist in a Membership Secretary variety of ways. You may want advice on how to analyse results or write up at some stages of the procedure, you may require

OSNZNews - No. 84 - September 1997 91 assistance of some stages of the write- Early results from the satellite trans-continental cruising. Jeremy up, or you may prefer that a mentor take tracking were greatly influenced by Blackburn, of the British Trust for full responsibility for such a write-up. Cyclone Justin in the Coral Sea which Ornithology, said "In Britain we get In each case there are mentors willing raged and meandered about for nearly excited if we find a Wren has flown 25 to provide such assistance. two weeks. It was the largest cyclone in miles". Therefore, if you require help with the region for over fifteen years and at The epic journey began on 18 writing up a study, or putting an one stage was 1,000 km across. Six birds September last year when the Wren was observation into words, write to: Mentor left at this time and moved quickly to caught at Russia's Rybachy ringing station Scheme, OSNZ., P.O. Box 12397, the south east of Papua New Guinea. Two near Kaliningrad. It was trapped in nets Wellington. Please detail the assistance birds returned to Moreton Bay, one to among the birch woods on a 40 mile sand you require and the topic of the near Princess Charlotte Bay near Cape bar jutting out into the Baltic. In early observation/study, and every effort will York Peninsula and one stayed in Papua March it was found in an old Wren's nest be made to put you in contact with a New Guinea. One bird we know has by birdwatcher Martin Love. perished, another almost certainly did, mentor prepared to provide that It's journey, almost certainly overland, assistance. having been located in the eye of the cyclone for several days until contact was would have been made in four or five RALPH POWLESLAND lost. 12 hour night flights, interspersed with Mentor Scheme Convenor two week stopovers to feed up. BTO Subsequently other birds left expert Chris Mead said "Wrens migrate Moreton Bay under better weather annually in central Europe, some conditions. One headed for the Chinese reaching Spain. This one must have been Eastern Curlew coastline after stopping for a week or blown off course. Its overland trek could so in Taiwan. Early in May another bird add up to 1,500 miles". Migration arrived in known Eastern Curlew breeding territory in the Amur River Each year between September and March, basin, about 1,000 km north east of NATIONAL EXPRESS 9 July 1997 Australia is host to over two million Vladivostok. This bird spent over a week migratorywaders.The largest, the Eastern in the Philippines and a similar length Curlew, has a world population estimated of time along the Chinese coastline. at 30,000, with up to 90% of that number Another bird is giving weak signals from wintering in Australia. About a third of further east and is possibly moving Otago Gull Notes the population occurs in Moreton Bay around. Another flew direct for 6,500 and the Great Sandy Strait, the two most km at an average speed of 57 kph and At Victory Beach on 12 October 1996, then contact was lost somewhere to the important wader sites in eastern Australia. two Black-backed Gulls attacked a lone east of Taiwan hopefully because the Curlews pass through staging points - Red-billed Gull in the shallows. Both the transmitter fell off as they are designed on the east Asian-Australasian Flyway such Black-backs repeatedly pecked the Red- to do in due course. Yet another flew to as Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan, the billed Gull on the head and neck, then the Caroline Islands (7 degrees north), Philippines and New Guinea. Although dragged it by a wing. After three minutes, a lot has been learnt about the birds' then returned to Moreton Bay via New the Red-billed Gull withdrew with habits, precise details of the migratory Ireland and the south east Papua New tattered pink head and a wing dragging Guinea coast over a period of a month, route, the length of time taken to fly the on the sand. with a final direct flight of 1,800 km. entire distance and where the birds stop On 8 December 1996 a Black-backed to boost their fat reserves along the way The results are variable and have been Gull attached and killed a downy chick has not been known they were. influenced by the cyclone and, perhaps, on a Rock and Pillar Range tarn. The adult , Eastern Curlews were chosen by the by differing responses by individuals to dived on the chick, pecked its neck and Queensland Wader Study Group for their transmitter and harness. The lifted it three times from the water. radio-tracking because they are curlews have demonstrated the capacity Meanwhile the parents tried to drive off considered large enough to carry the for very long initial flights from Moreton the attackers. satellite transmitters. As Bay and what seems like remarkable smallest of well, On 29 April 1997 in central Dunedin ability to adjust their flight plans. it is considered to be a key biological I drove behind an open truck laden with indicator of the health of wader PETER DRISCOLL fish guts. Five Red-billed Gulls and three communities. In mid 1994 the QWSG Black-backed Gulls pursued the truck, began a study funded by the then Details and updates on this project constantly diving and gobbling fish guts Queensland Department of Environment on the back as the vehicle travelled at and Heritage. Radio transmitters for local can be viewed on an NTT web page at http://www.wnn, orj@/wnn-n/migrant/ 30-40 kph. The gulls kept up with the tracking were built and trialed using a truck for 1.8 km before leaving it. backpack harness. Since late November english/index.html 1996, QWSG has deployed 30 radio transmitters using a variety of attachment KIM MORRISON techniques and transmitter sizes on ten species of waders, and their movements Record Wren Flight have been tracked locally with particular reference to the use of high tide roost A Wren weighing just half an ounce has Southland Black-billed sites under the control of the Port of gone into the record books after flying Gulls Brisbane Corporation. at least 1,000miles. The 4 inch long bird The field trials with Eastern Curlews astonished experts by travelling from a Our own Black-billed Gull colony, which were sufficiently successful for the QWSG remote ringing station in Russia to West made the from page of the Southland (with funds from Environment Australia) Sussex, England. It is only the second Times, ended up a great success last to proceed with the use of satellite wren ringed abroad to have been found season and provided plenty of transmitters in a joint research project in Britain. entertainment for visitors. In brief, the with the Wild Bird Society of Japan. What makes its journey even more birds were washed out of the Mararoa Fifteen birds were caught and fitted with remarkable is that most Wrens do not River bed on the first nesting attempt. their precious cargo in mid February budge from the area where they were As the river remained very high for a 1997. born. Their short wings are designed for fortnight, a small flock took a shine to darting through the undergrowth, not our ploughed paddock on a flat about a

- September 1997 year. The exceptions to this are when kilometre from the river. It wasn't long Department of Conservation before a colony of around 3,800 had built Te Papa Atawhai females are nesting, and when birds leave up. These birds sat and hatched their normal roost to congregate at successfully, the majority having two summer flock sites. The usual day time chicks. In January the chicks started flying. roost sites are in thick cover and are Until this time the losses had been a usually nearwater. Old type swamps with handful around the fringes of the colony. Mimiwhangata Brown Teal - Brown Teal kiekie and parataniwha with a slow flow However harriers found the young flyers are the sixth rarest duck species in the of heavily mineralised water hold a an easy lunch, and within a couple of world and number only 2,000. The largest relatively large number of birds. Indeed days of their being on the wing, half a population is on Great Barrier Island, it is easy to think of this as the preferred dozen harriers began working the colony where there are approximately 1,500 habitat type before modification by constantly. The racket and the defence Brown Teal. The remaining 500 are found drainage of these areas. Although most attacks on incoming hawks had little mostly in the coastal area between the birds roost near water, this is not true effect. As half the colony was not flying, Bay of Islands and Whanaaki. for all. One pair roosts high on a ridge, the hawks could not miss, diving into Mimiwhangata Coastal Park, 50 minutes 200 metres away from water among the mass of scrambling chicks, clutching north of Whangarei, is considered a manuka and tanekaha. stronghold of mainland Brown Teal one and ignoring the irate parents' Teal feed primarily by dabbling in (approx. 150) on the conservation estate. attacks, and flying over to the nearby hill areas of shallow water with mud and silt The number of Brown Teal on the face to have lunch, leaving a small puff substrate. Cattle pugging these feeding mainland is declining, and if the current of white feathers as the only evidence. I sites in winter appear to improve rate of decline continues, Brown Teal may counted 150 such puffs, which were conditions for teal, and this is one of a become extinct on the mainland by next clearly visible against the green grass. few circumstances where the presence century. One hawk showed great skills like a of cattle benefits teal. Research by Murray Williams falcon, diving in on the novice flyers and Many birds walk or swim long taking one on the wing each time. suggested that the most probable causes of teal decline are mammalian predators distances along waterways to feeding As the colony was down the hill and habitat loss. As a result of these areas. During winter, many birds will behind my house, it was possible to keep findings, a research by management forsake wetlands to feed on pasture, an eye on activities without much effort. programme was established at possibly because the water level is too The most memorable features were the Mimiwhangata and has been running for deep for dabbling, or because slugs and Quelea-like mass movements of the the past twelve months. The objectives worms are accessible on pasture at this thousands of chicks trying to evade a of the programme were to secure the time of year. hawk by running or flying, the high spirals population and to determine the causes Fecundity has never been a problem of the adults riding a thermal over the of its decline. with teal, and 1996 was no exception. nesting site (like white paper over a Nesting began in April and continued rubbish dump) and the chasing white In an attempt to determine the role throughout the year, although the peak mass of chicks running and diving in of predators in the decline of teal at was between July and August. Seventeen behind the tractor and hoes as we came Mimiwhangata, an intensive and on-going predator control programme has been nests were located using the transmitters up close to the colony. They are welcome and ~iddich.Nests were found in avariety back this season. established. A full time trapper has been employed to service a 45 kilometre trap of locations and vegetation types. Some BRUCE NEWLAND line. Fenn andVictor traps are being used nests were found in the "normal" sites - to target feral cats and mustelids. The near water and in Carex. However many trapping line was set up in April and, so sites led us to question what bird we were far, 32 cats and 26 mustelids have been working on. One nest was found four More Albinos caught. In addition to predator control, metres up a puriri in a clump ofhtelia; ponds and wetlands have been another was found 150 metres up a ridge, On 15 February 1997, shortly after 10 constructed to provide habitats where 250 metres away from water in a clump pm, a Blue Penguin was seen ashore at the teal can form summer flocks ofAustralian sedge. Australian sedge was the surf's edge on Castle Point Beach. (necessary for bond formation) and breed very popular as nest sites, with seven The bird was unusual in that its head in the winter. being found in this highly established and shoulders had predominantly white James Fraser, with the help of his dog Northland weed. plumage. There appeared to be the Fiddich, has been locating, catching, In all there was evidence of 31 occasional darker feather which gave its banding and fitting transmitters to Brown breeding attempts. Two nests were lost, head a streaky appearance. The body of Teal in an attempt to discover the two birds multiple-brooded and at least the penguin had normal colouration. meaning of life for these secretive birds. one entire brood was lost. As with most On seeing us the penguin did not Each week, birds carrying transmitters duck species there is a high level of move. We continued to walk along the are located during the day, to find out mortality immediately after hatching; 44%) beach getting closer and still the penguin where and with whom they are roosting. of ducklings were lost in the first three did not move. Fearing it might be injured The birds are also tracked at night to weeks. The causes of these losses will I approached to within one metre; the discover where they feed. The number be investigated next winter. penguin then turned and headed out to and location of nests, the number of After six weeks of age and fledging, sea. This allowed excellent views of its offspring and the survival of ducklings the loss of ducklings is smd. 70 ducklings plumage. has also been recorded. were fledged at Mimiwhangata this year. OSNZ readers may be interested to The initial estimates of numbers of Where the juveniles disperse to between know of a complete albino Pheasant teal at Mimiwhangata was thought to be the time of eviction from natal territory which was seen on 21 October 1984 at around 13 pairs. During the year 104 (in September) to their appearance at Blyth Estuary, UK. The Pheasant was birds have been banded, including 27 flock sites (in November) was a question watched whilst it worked its way across pairs. In addition approximately 40 that we had hoped to answer this year. an open area of salt marsh, until it unbanded birds are known. Transmitters Unfortunately we are no further down disappeared into a wood. The only part have been fitted to 27 birds. the track on this one. Some ducklings of the bird not seen was its feet, the rest stay with their parents in the natal of it being completely white, including territory, a small percentage stay in non the bill. The Pheasant was on its own. Most birds appear to be loyal to one flocking habitats (8.6%) and a large day time roost site, and are found almost percentage (41.4%) assemble at MARTIN SNOWBALL exclusively at that spot throughout the

OSNZNews - No.84 - September 1997 111 the flock sites after an absence of up Waioua. This is a record number of chicks 700g. before being released - therefore to two months. However the largest fledged for the area despite the adult a potential of six chicks for the season. proportion (50%) of juveniles are not numbers being down on last year. Several Time will tell. accounted for by late summer. Are these banded birds were also seen at these We are currently doing a major ducklings at another flock site? Are they sites during the course of the breeding overhaul of all traps and trap covers, all in non flocking areas? Or have they been season which did not establish territories. receiving much-needed maintenance. preyed upon? However a pair was reported to have Another point of interest is a potent new The number of birds at flocks sites established a territory at Whangaparaoa capture technique that we have has been used a barometer of the health rivermouth, one of which had a band. discovered. A motorist stunned a kiwi of the Brown Teal population. Flock This year's success was achieved by on the Ruatahuna-Aniwaniwa road. This counts go back to 1988 and have the use of Talon 20p poison as a means motorist had the foresight to grab said generally shown the slow decline, and, of controllingkey predators and, possibly, kiwi, take it home and inform Glenn in some areas, local extinction of teal. through secondary poisoning in Mitchell (Field Centre Manager, In 1996 the count at Mimiwhangata was combination with trapping. Regular Aniwaniwa). Turns out said kiwi is a 16, in 1997 the countwas 51, an increase monitoring of the New Zealand Dotterels known bird, though never captured of 218%.This compares with an increase showed the effectiveness of our predator previously. It spent a couple of days at of 79% at nearby Teal Bay, where there control. There was also increased the vet's recuperating, before returning is no management in place. advocacy and public awareness through to its capture point, equipped with So that's the year according to Brown liaison, signage, newspaper articles, and transmitter and as part of our team of Teal research at Mimiwhangata. As with through greater Doc presence at the control birds. Of course it was named most research, more questions have been breeding sites. We intend to duplicate "Diff ". generated than have been answered. this work in the coming season. Seabirds - Bryan Williams (New Most importantly, however, Brown Teal Plymouth Field Centre) recently led a appear to have had a successful year at Mapara Kokako - Following team of three to Motumahanga Island Mimiwhangata and have increased in agreement reached at the recent Kokako (1.2 ha.), one of the predator-free islands number. Recovery Group meeting, several Kokako in the Sugarloaf group off the Taranaki ('James Fraser) from the Mapara "farm" will be coast. Tagging along with Bryan were Lisa transferred to three other sites: Pikiariki, Sinclair (Head Office invertebrate the site of the famous Pureora tree-top specialist) and Alan Tennyson (Museum New Zealand Dotterel - a repeat of protests in the 1970s now has only a few of New Zealand). The purpose of this the 1989/90 national census was carried lonely males; the Hunuas where the two overnight trip was to begin the first part out in the past breeding season following remaining pairs (and a few males) could of an inventory of invertebrates of this recommendations by the New Zealand do with a boost to kick-start recovery; island group, and to reassess the petrel Dotterel Recovery Group. The census was and Tiritiri Matangi Island, where a population active here at this time of the carried out by Doc staff, Ornithological couple of Mapara birds will team up with year. Society members and Conservation Corps Kokako from Mt Bruce. Total recorded Diving Petrels and Flesh-footed based at Northland Polytech. A total of chick production from Mapara this Shearwaters were the order of the night. 791 birds was found in the post-breeding season was a record 64 (plus it is likely The team estimated between2,OOO and count. This showed an increase of 15- that several chicks were produced but 3,000 diving petrel burrows along with 18% on the 1989/90 census. However, not recorded). about 20 larger burrows, apparently all when various factors, such as better (Phil Thornson) belonging to Flesh-footed Shearwaters. coverage in 1996/97, are taken into 18 Flesh-foot chicks and 20 diving petrels account the increase is nearer to lo%, The 1996/97 breeding season (at were banded. Other inhabitants of these an encouraging increase nonetheless. Not Northern Te Urewera mainland island islands at various times of the year include so encouraging is the fact that dotterel and Kokako Otamatuna ) has been the White-faced Storm Petrels, Fluttering and numbers decreased on the west coast. most productive since monitoring began. Sooty Shearwaters. This is the only known The reasons for this decrease are Fourteen pairs were monitored for breeding colony of Sooties on the west currently unknown. breeding and ten pairs nested. Eight of coast of the North Island between Kapiti these were successful on the fmt attempt and the Three Kings in the north. (usual loss of nests on first attempt is (Richard Parrish, Michael Heads, 70-80%). Of the two failures, one was Kea - The unruly mob of twelve Kea Ray Pierce) due to a possum which left two half-eaten that have been trained to harass food- chicks in the nest. The other loss was bearing tourists on the Takaka Hill moved down to the Motueka and Moutere area The aim of this (East Coast/Hawkes unknown. Six pairs renested, all of which Bay) project was to increase New Zealand were successful. Five of these had already for the fruit harvest season. To date they have amused themselves by destroying Dotterel breeding success, chick survival raised one brood and one was from a fruit, rearranging residential property and and to protect important habitat first attempt. removing rubber bits off vehicles. To avoid Three main sites were monitored in 23 chicks were fledged, and nineteen the inevitable double-barrelled solution the Opotiki Field Centre area; Waiotahi of these were banded. Three had proposed by several affected landowners, Spit and beach, Waioeka rivermouth and transmitters fitted to help provide five birds were relocated to well inside the Waioua Spit. Theses sites held a total information on dispersal. Overall 87% the Kahurangi National Park. The of 22 birds (eleven pairs), two pairs at of the nests were successful, and 64% remaining birds are still causing problems Waiotahi, four pairs at Waioeka and five of pairs successfully fledged chicks. with periodic dawn raids. This latter pairs at Waioua. A total of 21 chicks was Waikaremoana Kiwi project - group has learnt to identify DOC vehicles hatched this season, eleven of which Following on from February's Rarebits, and uniforms, making them impossible managed to fledge, with only three pairs the kiwi at Lake Waikaremoana have not to approach in the standard conspicuous unable to rear any chicks, even after their fared as badly as one might have thought. wac undercover work is now required. second attempt. Four of the seven We still have not caught many stoats, with It's also the time of year for Kea to successful pairs managed to rear two only seventeen caught this year. However come down for a holiday on Fox Glacier chicks each, the remaining three pairs we currently have four chicks alive and town. Kea have been into their usual only one chick. kicking on the peninsula and two down mischief in town; the general feeling No chicks were successfully reared at Westshore Wildlife Reserve, Napier, around town by the locals has been one at Waiotahi, while five chicks fledged at under the care of Tony Billing. The two from Waioeka and six chicks fledged at captive chicks will be allowed to reach 1 OSNZNews - No.84 - September 1997 of gritted teeth tolerance. A few cat predations, which includes the death. Two other chicks will be released innovative ideas to deter Kea have been predation of an adult bird. at the beginning of July. to tie fishing gut to moss drying tunnels A further seven chicks were fledged We are exploring softer release to stop Kea landing (and then chewing by pairs which were not located until options for transferring juveniles from the plastic), holding birds in a cage and after they had hatched their own eggs, captivity into the wild. One of these is then releasing again, and transferring giving a record total of fifteen chicks for an interim stage from captivity to a birds away from the area. New ideas to the season (up from one, seven and two predator- and kiwi-free island. We have deter Kea would be welcome. for the past three years respectively). And a proposal being considered at present A publicity campaign has been the good news doesn't stop with the to transfer Okarito Brown Kiwi juveniles running for almost a year to increase production from wild pairs! to Motuara Island in the Marlborough understanding within the community. The captive population doubled from Sounds. Our aims are to get the community to three to six pairs, producing 37 eggs (a take responsibility for Kea issues. 300% increase from twelve last year). 26 Brown Teal - Recently staff in Te Anau Although the success of such campaigns fledglings were produced in captivity, received the results of genetic analyses are difficult to measure, we have had fifteen of which were hand reared, and of blood samples from Fiordland Brown some success with some. For example the remaining eleven reared by captive Teal. For several years there have been we had one request for help from pairs. This level of output is comparable sightings of Brown Teal in Fiordland. Last someone who said in the past they would with annual production in captivity in summer, thanks to NPP funds, staff and have shot problem Kea. each of the last five years. contractors eventually caught some teal, Patagial tags will be placed on ten 26 juveniles reared in the 1995/96 collected blood samples and attached Kea this year to aid identification of breeding season were released into the radio-transmitters. The results from the mischievous birds. The tagging is still an wild in September 1996, with another genetic analyses have been a little experimental method, so only adults will record-breaking result of almost 70% discouraging. be tagged in the hope that they are more survival after three months (compared Although Fiordland Brown Teal sedentary and can therefore be with approximately 45% in each of the appear different from Great Barrier Island monitored regularly The method will be past two releases). Brown Teal (according to the dog evaluated after one year. In summary, a very encouraging handlers who have worked on several Black Stilts - the past breeding season, with a marked increase in the teal populations), the results showed no season for Black Stilts has been the most number of breeding pairs, an improved significant differences. Prior to this, the successful in almost a decade. The survival of chicks in the wild, an improved team went back into the site to check management team based at Twizel Field survival of captive released birds in the on the radio-tagged bird and confirmed Centre located eighteen breeding pairs, wild breeding population, an increase the worst fears - the teal had been an increase of 64%on the eleven breeding in the number of captive breeding pairs, predated. pairs during the 1995/36 season. Afurther and the start of some meaningful research This work confirms that there is a six pairs were located but not recorded into the causes of nest failure. very small population of Brown Teal in as nesting. In total, then, 24 pairs were (Dave Murray, Christine Reed) Fiordland, and that, although they may located and this represents a 60%increase look different from other Brown Teal from the fifteen productive and non- Okarito Brown Kiwi - Of the three populations, they are similar genetically. productive pairs of the previous year. juvenile kiwi surviving at the time of the So, now it's up to the Brown Teal last issue, one is suspected to have died The increase in breeding pair Recovery Group to recommend the in a territorial dispute with a numbers appears to be a result of priority of any further work to safeguard intensive captive rearing and release of neighbouring adult. The remaining two this population. young birds into the wild. Fourteen are active and maintaining a steady weight. One has dispersed 2.5 km from captive reared birds have been recruited Weka - During possum surveys in western into the wild population since releases the release site, and may have passed Fiordland, the teams carrying out work began in 1987, boosting the small safely through other adult pairs' also kept a note of Weka sign and calls. population to 105 birds. Of the fourteen territories,while the other remains within In 60 person days of survey, only one birds, ten are of breeding age, and nine one kilometre of the release site. They have now been in the wild for over five Weka call was heard and none were seen. of these nested this season. Seven of the Fifteen years ago a similar survey (for nine birds formed pairs with other Black months. Four more juveniles were released possum sign) was carried out with Stilts or very dark hybrids. Five of the on 26 May, weighing between 1.25 and abundant Weka recorded. Western pairs successfully reared chicks to fledging Fiordland is assumed to be the in the wild. Most are concentrated on 1.5 kg. This is approximately 300g. lighter than the previous six birds released. After stronghold for Weka, thus this report the lower Ohau/Tekapo Rivers, a week one of these juveniles had requires serious attention. Fiordland is supplementing the existing population thought of as a stronghold for Western node in that area. As the population dropped below 1 kg and was lethargic Weka, Southern Tokoeka (kiwi), Blue grows the potential for unpaired birds and didn't look well. It was returned to captivity where it is now recovering and Duck, Mohua, etc., etc. The reality is that to find another Black Stilt mate (rather we don't know what is there, and the than a Pied or hybrid) should increase, putting on weight. Of the remaining few anecdotal reports received recently and hybridisation be minimised. three, two recorded weight gains in the first week but by the second week all have been discouraging. All of the This season 59 eggs were artificially three had lost weight. One was down approved Recovery Plans for these (and incubated, with a hatching success of from 1.58 to 1.075 kg but still seemed other) species state the need for survey 95.6%from fertile eggs. Although fledging to be in reasonable condition and very and longer term monitoring of the success was a little disappointing (27% active. At the end of the third week one populations of these species. But just how of eggs returned to the wild resulted in of these juveniles was found to be in a do you survey 1.3 million hectares of fledged chicks), this was a significant very poor state with substantial bruising very steep country? Biodiversity in improvement from the 5% success on its legs, so it was removed from the Fiordland is more than Takahe and achieved last season. This year's result forest. Unfortunately it died before we sandflies, and the time is coming when is also exceptional in that it was achieved could get it to Hokitika and veterinary it may be too late to make a difference. in the absence of predator management. treatment. We suspect that this bird may Codfish Is. Fernbirds - the kiore NPP and S&R funding was received have inadvertently become entangled in eradication here is very much off and to research the causes of egg and chick the forest. We are awaiting the results on again. In January we transferred 19 loss. Time lapse videos recorded nine of a necropsy to determine the cause of Codfish Island Fernbirds to Kaimohu Island (an 8 ha. muttonbird island, OSNZNews - No.84 - September 1997 13 southern StemIsland). Pete McClelland a White-tailed Tropicbird was found at Trevor Hardaker rewarded us with went back six weeks later to check on Kara, and a White-capped Noddy (early an extensive tour of South Africa in July. progress, and guess what - no Fernbirds. April) landed on a small fishing boat off The phrase "hazardous to your health" Chief suspicion lies with habitat Kauri Mountain after circling the boat was used often - not smoking, drinking differences and the presence of Banded several times. As both birds were in good and other such habits, but, enunciated Rails (as a predator). Efforts will now condition (in spite of being dead!), I sent in nice, broad South African English this concentrate on further Fernbird transfers them to the Museum of New Zealand in meant unseen hippos, the odd rhino, to Putauhinu Island following kiore Wellington. and don't get in the way of the elephants. eradication this year in August. Trevor is on the South African Rare Birds The kiore eradication on Whenua Committee, so was well aware of the (Richard Parrish) Hou will take place if we can establish a dilemma we was leaving us with, with healthy second population of these his records of strange birds in strange Fernbirds, and Kakapo don't attempt to South Auckland places. breed next year. Our regular writer of this column, Paul An extensive coverage of the vast array Harrison, has returned to his native of birds which John and Stella Rowe saw England. We wish him well and look while on a three month tour of Kenya, forward to his urge to roost with us again. Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Our main winter objective was to Namibia, South Africa and Botswana was retain enough people to stay for winter the August meeting subject. Local Regional Roundup censuses, as many get Paul's urge to move knowledge from local guides meant many to warmer climes for short periods. species were able to be tracked down, Somehow we coped and stretched while avoiding those species 'hazardous everyone's abilities as usual. Spreading to your health'. the Kaipara and Manukau Harbour Other visitors to the region have been Northland counts over two days (instead of the same a Black-fronted Dotterel at Miranda, 63 In June the WhangareiKaiparaFar North day) seemed to work, and improved Cattle Egrets at Aka Aka and 53 at Piako. wader census was carried out as usual. coverage of the Kaipara was achieved, Beach patrolling has been quiet, apart We were fortunate to have Carrie Rose, though it would be nice to have a surplus from a small wreck of diving petrels. a veterinarian working for the NZ Wildlife of people to help maintain past Manukau efforts. Rehabilitation Trust in Auckland, talk to (Tony Habraken) us at ourJuly meeting about rehabilitating Over-wintering species of note from oiled seabirds, and the planned centre the Manukau were an Asiatic Whimbrel, and mobile unit for the Auckland area. 44 Turnstones, a Curlew Sandpiper, 8 11July saw a group of people staying Red-necked Stints and a Little Tern. The Waikato the weekend at Lonsdale Park. The swell Greenshank and another Whimbrel Mild, calm weather has allowed a couple at the islands was too high on Saturday, which had been seen prior to census day of unscheduled trips to Kawhia Harbour so everyone spent the day out and about managed to avoid detection on the day. to search for colour banded birds. The in the North. On Sunday twenty SIP0 turned out in force as usual, with Royal Spoonbill flock has increased to volunteers were ferried to Motukawanui another impressive tally of 24,759. around 45 birds, which feed mainly in Island, where they planted over 1,000 The most unusual sighting was seen the upper reaches of the harbour. They trees. It is very satisfying to look at the by Tim Lovegrove on the Mainfreight roost in a tight little flock on one of the areas which have been planted in building's flat roof, where among 600 two small groups of rocks situated on previous years and to see how well all SlPO were 220 Wrybills. The extremes either side of the harbour and are very the trees are growing. some species will go to avoid being sensitive to disturbance. To avoid the Beach patrols have continued as counted! inevitable flight from one roost to the usual, with fairly low numbers of birds Wrybills were plentiful on the Firth other, we approached them from land being recovered and no exciting rarities of Thames at 2,790, up on the regular and sea, but they still outwitted us by as yet. 2,500. A Red-necked Stint and a Far dividing into two groups, one of which The end of July saw the beginning Eastern Curlew remained to entertain flew off down the harbour. of the 1997 passerine netting programme. winter visitors to the coast, along with There is still an abundance of Silvereyes, two Royal Spoonbills. A second count was made on census plus the odd Chaffinch and House It was a delight to meet and have the day when the weather was not so kind, Sparrow around to band. Even assistance of overseas visitors Paul Rose and four banded birds were noted in a Blackbirds, Song Thrushes and (Canada) and Trevor Hardaker (South flock of 40 birds. Two birds were from Greenfinchesfind their way into the nets. Africa), who, along with local Will Perry, Green Island Nature Rese~eand two 9 and 10 August saw a group travel were seen busy twitching during the day, from the Wairau Lagoons. Black Stilts and out to Tiritiri Matangi Island, and, while bittern being the favoured subject. hybrids were also sought with mixed these enthusiasts were observing the results on census day, but were followed abundant birdlife there, they were very out across the mudflats later on a glorious Radio broadcaster Matthew Lark fortunate to witness the release of three fine afternoon, when nine Black and made our May meeting a memorable one, Kokako. hybrid/Blacks were located. Along with explaining how he works: collecting (Margaret Dowdell) a solitary (Asiatic?) Whimbrel were two information, then going out into the field SIP0 which had been colour banded in to be hands-on. He shared some Canterbury among the usual wintering Lorna Simpkin indicated that there have fascinating experienceswith us, and along flock of waders. been no rarities turn up on beach patrols with other subject matters, gave us much to think about for the future. A heron, believed to be an this year. Intermediate Egret, was seen on Raglan Two rarities have come to my David Lawrie in June gave an account Harbour on census day, but could not attention, but not from beaches. Both of his visit with Lynne to England, Wales be found when searched for a few days were alive when found and handed in and Hong Kong. He was lucky enough later. to the Whangarei Native Bird Recovery to manage some mist netting at the Mai Centre but subsequently died, Po Marshes in Hong Kong, and showed Five minute birds counts were started presumably from exhaustion. On 1 March us some lovely slides of memorable places on Mt Kakepuku, to assess the impact in England and Wales. of predator control there. Most goats have I OSNZNews - No.84 - September 1997 been shot, and bait stations have been identified and confirmed by Malcolm and tussock to a healthy spreading karo established for possums and rats. Tomtits Hutton. These birds were generally seen and taupata forest. At the August meeting were heard singing, Tui, NZ Pigeons, with Banded and New Zealand Dotterels. members discussed the Banded Dotterels Silvereyes and Grey Warblers were seen. Sometimes a Mongolian Dotterel was and Grey-faced Petrels. Several members also visited the present, and two Wrybills were also close (Rosemary Messenger) aviaries of Full Flight ConservationTrusts by. at Te Pahu, which have been established A frigatebird was seen by the Turner Hawkes Bay for the recuperation and repatriation into family on Great Mercury Island in January. the wild of injured native birds. Four Black-fronted Dotterels were seen In May we visited Mohi Bush, where pigeons, Tui, Riflemen, Fantails and Evening meeting topics enjoyed were on the Kaituna Lagoons during the winter Silvereyes were seen. The pigeonwoods the Birds of Africa talk by John Rowe, bird count in June. This is good news, were covered with masses of green and Adrian Riegen's excellent explanation since for many years this wetland has berries. In mid July we visited Waitangi of the significance of moult in waders. been unsuitable for most waders. and Tukituki estuaries. Five Black-fronted Dried examples of wings in moult, 32 Cattle Egrets were also seen during Terns were roosting with Black-billed and brought along by Clinton Care, aided the the wader count in the Kaituna-Maketu Red-billed Gulls at Waitangi. At Tukituki explanations. area, and 12 have ben seen on Greig a White Heron and a Little Egret were Road, Matata. (Bev Woolley) feeding in a drain in a paddock. (John Brierley) At the beginning of August we held Bay of Plenty a meeting at the Education Discovery Taranaki Centre in Napier. Items for discussion In April, Gladys and I joined an OSNZ included a report on the AGM, SIP0 party, visiting a superb wetland at On the May trip to an inland, unmodified banding project, and the gull and tern Reporoa, owned by a Mr Johnston, a swamp area, 25 bird species were survey With there being no one willing member of Ducks Unlimited NZ. We recorded, including NZ Pipits and the to take over the job of regional viewed at close range his collection of usual Fernbirds answering taped calls. representative, a committee was formed some rare ducks, including a Carolina A lone NZ Falcon was seen on the day, and the various aspects of the job will Wood Duck and an attractive Chestnut but we have had reports of sightings be shared out. Teal from Australia. He had some 50 odd which would indicate that they are seen Grey Teal, all free-flying, which breed in over a wide area. A flock of 30+ Recent sightings of interest include special nest boxes he has made and Whiteheads were recorded in the Kaiaua ten Cattle Egrets at Ferry Road, Clive, placed on posts. He had a pair of River area of Egmont National Park. A and two at Takapau. Falcons have been Australian Chestnut-breasted Shelducks Waitara farmer has observed Cattle Egrets seen in various places - one on Napier and five Mute Swans which are scarce on his farmland, 20 on 11 May, and at Hill and one in the vicinity of Bridge Pa in New Zealand. He is trying to breed this time, 8 August, five remain. In the and Fernhill in recent weeks. Up to 40 from them. so far without success. autumn 12+ Eastern Rosellas have been Black-frontedTerns were seen at Waitangi seen in the coastal town of Okato. Early in July 30 Royal Spoonbillswere counted at the Ahuriri estuary in the June census. Last year he bred three ducklings from in the year a local Fish and Game officer reported seeing 1600+ moulting Paradise 57 Wrybills were at the Porangahau the rare Blue Duck which inhabit fast- Estuary. A Whimbrel was seen feeding flowing streams and are now an Shelducks on a lake in the Opunake area. Our RR David Medway reported on with godwits on the Porangahau River endangered species. He is the first person Estuary during the June census. to have bred them in New Zealand, the AGM at our June meeting. The although Sir Peter Scott bred them some monthly field trip was to the Tawhare (Christine McRae) years ago at Slimbridge in the UK. reserve at Mokau, and it was noted that Otago a spoonbill is still in the vicinity of the (Roy Weston) Waitara River mouth. Sightings of a single After a marvellous July, the weather has Kaka have been reported at Lucy's Gully, really packed up. Weather permitting, however, we will continue with Silvereye The Opotiki area field trip with Bill Sloan Stoney River, Barrett Road, and last month a lone bird was in an Opunake and NZ Robin banding. At present in May was the most popular this year, Flagstaff is being checked for robin garden for a few days. with 17 members attending. Great numbers. We have been informed that distances were travelled by some; Patrick There have been further interesting within twelve months the Douglas fir Buxton came from Taupo, Morley Weston sightings along the coast, including a stand of the City Forest will be chopped and his wife came from Rotorua, the Black-fronted and a Crested Tern. Up to down. Hence the urgency to check and Ormonds from south Auckland and 20 Pied Stilts are regularly seen at the band the population to enable us to try several from around Tauranga. Waiongana River mouth and, over a and find out where these birds will go. We left from Bill and Rachel Sloan's period of three months, a large number, The June winter wader count went place after enjoying Rachel's morning tea up to 50+, Banded Dotterels are regularly without a hitch - you get that with fine, and hospitality, and travelled inland in this locality. It is interesting to note calm weather. We have carried out these towards the upper Motu region. We that the only nesting site located in the counts for 15 years and have a very good searched and searched for the elusive last few years was in the newly developed picture of the importance of the areas Blue Ducks and Weka, but, alas, in vain. Bell Block railway yards where shingle for waders. was spread around. This site was The area was particularly beautiful, Another Australian Little Grebe has and the rain stayed away until late abandoned. A breeding site for the present flock has not yet been located. been seen at Anderson's Lagoon, afternoon. So we all had plenty of Palmerston on 24 June. A Rook was opportunity to catch up with the latest However a new breeding site for Grey- reported flying south to north over news and thoroughly enjoyed the faced Petrels has been confirmed on Waianakarua mouth on 18 May. The same company of so many members together, Motu-o-TamateaIsland, where the burrow day there was a White Heron here and some of whom we hadn't seen for quite numbers have been increasing for a at Kakanui mouth. We are still piecing a while. number of years. In 1989 there were no together local movements of banded Two Terek Sandpipers in the sand known burrows. It may be that the birds Variable Oystercatchers. have left mainland colonies at Beach and dunes at the entrance to Ohiwa Harbour (Peter Schweigman) were seen by several people for a three Surrey Roads. One theory for the week period in late January-early increased activity on the island is the February - first seen by Bill Sloan and change in vegetation cover from grass

OSNZNews - No.84 - September 1997 15I Chatham Islands Godbert (09) 407 8058,John Dawn (09) Hamilton Lake counts - second Sunday The wet weather has given way to an 407 8653) and the east coast (Jean of the month. Ph. Barry Friend (07) 843 early spring, the first signs of which are Hawken (09) 438 1985, Lorna Simpkin 6729 or Brian Challinor (07) 855 2561. numerous Buff Weka chicks which are (09) 437 2076). now racing around the place. Only one Bav of Plenty Cattle Egret wintered over on the Chathams - it ranged widely across the 19 October - Lake Tamurenui reserve. island to feed, but left earlier than the Ph. John Brierley (07) 323 7458. birds did the previous summer. November - White Island field trip and With a constant eye out for White- summer wader census. Ph. John Brierley fronted Terns throughout the winter, it (07) 323 7458. is clear that all but a very few birds leave 7 December - Kokako in Rotoehu Forest. the island. The most seen at any one time Evening meetings - first Tuesday of each Ph. John Brierley (07) 323 7458. was 2 1at Ocean Mail in mid July. There month (except January) at the AucMand were none of the big flocks you get in Museum (entry via west door) at 7.45 GisborneNairoa the summer. There has been one sighting Pm. of a Chathams yellow flagged tern; Phil Muriwai Beach patrol - Sundays following Taranaki Battley recorded a bird in southern meeting. Ph. Mike Graham (09) 817 5517. Queensland. It is good to see such an 28 September - tree planting on Motuora Manawatu exciting result at this early stage. Island. Ph. Chris Bindon (09) 836 6183. 16 November - Kaipara Harbour census. Wanganui The beaches are still casting up plenty Ph. Adrian Riegen (09) 814 9741. of interesting birds, including, in the last Hawkes Bav few months, Grey Petrel, White-headed Petrel and good numbers of young 28 September - 'Corrakane' Kereru Road. Buller's Mollymawks which were fledging Ph. Christine McRae. from the Sisters and Forty Fours. A census of Black Shag colonies is Wairara~a under way; so far five colonies have been found around the lakes or major rivers South Auckland Wellington on the Main Island. Most of the northern part of the island has been covered. The 14 October - evening meeting, Papakura Beach patrols -Jean Luke (04) 293 5601. last full census was conducted in 1961, Croquet clubrooms, Chapel Street, Mapping scheme - Hugh Robertson (04) and the distribution of shag colonies has Papakura. Tuamotu Sandpipers. Ph. 385 8407. changed considerably since then. Three David Lawrie, (09) 238 8407. Karori reservoir - Colin Miskelly (04) 472 colonies have disappeared and two new 2 November - Firth of Thames census. 5821 (work). colonies have started up. The main reason Ph. Tony Habraken (09) 238 5284. for the loss of the colonies appears to 11 November - evening meeting. Nelson be cattle killing flax (which the shags nest 15 November - Manukau Harbour census. in) around the lake shore. It is hoped Ph. Tony Habraken (09) 238 5284. Marlborough that by the end of summer a census of 9 December - end of year barbecue, at Pitt and Chatham Island Shag colonies home of John Brown, 37 Evanda Canterbury will be completed also. Crescent, Conifer Grove, starts 6.30 pm. (Mike Bell) 29 September - evening meeting, Black Stilts. Ph. Ron Nilsson (03) 385 8080. What's On West Coast

Otago

li Evening meetings - 3rd Wednesday of Northland/Far North 17 September - evening meeting, DOC even months, Otago Art Society building, conference room, London Street, 8 pm. Ph. Peter Schweigman (03) 455 Hamilton. Birds of Kruger Park. Ph. Bev 2790. 25 October - square kilometre land survey Woolley (07) 856 9340. 11 October - Yellow-eyed Penguin count. Ph. Tony Beauchamp (09) 436 2661. 15 October - evening meeting. Birds of Ph. John Darby (03) 476 1676. 13November - evening meeting. Advisory Iceland. Ph. Bev Woolley (07) 856 9340. 9 November - summer wader count. Ph. Services, Alexander Street, Whangarei. 18-19 October - Port Waikato overnight. Ken Gager (03) 487 6670. Ph. Lorna Simpkin (09) 437 2076. Ph. Paul Cuming (07) 856 3891. 13 December - Yellow-eyed Penguin 15 November - Whangarei Harbour 15 November - Kawhia/Aotea/Raglan count. Ph. John Darby (03) 476 1676. census. Ph. Richard Pamsh (09) 436 1988, Harbours census. Ph. Bev Woolley (07) David Crockett (09) 435 0954. 856 9340. Southland 16 November - Kaipara Harbour census. 19 November - evening meeting. Ph. Richard Parrish (09) 436 1988, David Coromandel kiwi. Ph. Bev Woolley (07) Evening meetings, Southland Museum, Crockett (09) 435 0954. 856 9340. second Wednesday of even months. Ph. 22-23 November - Rangaunu and Far 6 December - mystery bus trip. Ph. Bev Lloyd Esler (03) 217 9060. North wader census. Ph . Richard Parrish Woolley (07) 856 9340. Beach patrols - each weekend during (09) 436 1988. 10 December - Christmas pot luck dinner. winter. Ph. Lloyd Esler. 6 December - Bird race, with shared meal Ph. Bev Woolley (07) 856 9340. at Jean Hawkin's. Ph.Jean (09) 438 1985. Mt Karioi 5 min. bird counts and monthly beach patrols ofwest coast beaches. Ph. Monthly beach patrols of Dargaville Paul Cuming (07) 856 3891 beaches (Pme Cozens (09) 437 0127), 90 Mile Beach and Karikari (Isobela DEADUNE FOR THE DECEMBER ISSUE IS 10 NOVEMBER 11 6 OSNZNews - No.84 - September 1997