EDITORIAL

After eleven years of being free of mammalian pests, Motutapu is now home to quite a range of endemic, native and exotic bird life that enjoys the safe habitat.

Bellbirds or korimako are very common and their melodious song is a joy to hear while working out in the bush. Tuis abound especially in the spring when many of the native trees are flowering. They can be seen darting from rewarewa to kowhai as they enjoy the nectar from the proliferation of flowers.

Saddlebacks or tieke have flourished since their release in 2011. A walk on the Rotary Centennial Walkway is often interrupted by their excited bird calls. Kakariki or red-crowned parakeets are frequently heard and often seen flying over-head and occasionally on the ground. Another parrot, the kaka is sometimes seen and heard as it screeches amongst the tree tops in the vicinity of the Trust’s nursery.

Kereru are regularly spotted as they swoop between older more mature trees particularly in Home Bay. Kingfishers abound and show off their beautiful colours while sitting on a fence post. Popokatea or whiteheads are occasionally heard in Central Gully and have been seen at the nursery and on the coast near Sandy Bay.

Little brown quails are regularly seen scampering away into the bush if disturbed. Takahe are often encountered in Home Bay or in other spots on Motutapu except during the breeding season when they make themselves scarce.

Occasionally secretive banded rails are seen near the Islington Bay mangroves or a spotless crake is heard near a wetland. Around the coast oyster catchers, gulls and dotterels are a common sight on the beaches.

Pateke or brown teal ducks can be seen on some of the island’s many ponds. Paradise ducks are also very common on Motutapu.

Pukekos have benefited from the lack of predators to the point where they are seen in very large numbers across the island.

The proliferation of bird life is testimony to the absence of mammalian pests. It is a joy to see birds flourishing in this wildlife sanctuary, many of them in the forest habitat planted by volunteers since 1994.