Great Kereru Count event – 26 September 2015
Kiwi Conservation Club (KCC) focuses on Kereru at Otatara - 26th September 2015
KCC is a children’s conservation club and Bronwyn Graham has just joined John Carter from Te Anau in coordinating some exciting local activities.
We started our celebration of Kereru (and the great NZ Kereru Count) by visiting Bush Haven for morning feeding time. The Kereru that have been rehabilitated and released often sit for an hour on powerlines nearby waiting for the scrumptious mix of fruit, veges and seeds. It was wonderful to get so close to kereru – the children were captivated. Russell explained the main reason Kereru end up at Bush Haven is window strike, how they go about rehabilitating those birds they are able to save, and what we can do to help conserve Kereru. It was great to hear that because of pest busting efforts in Otatara there has been an increase in Kereru in the wild. Tui and bellbirds (in addition to the kereru) flitted around us feasting in this rural haven for birds. We then viewed numerous Australian and NZ native birds including kakariki, Antipodes parrots, three Kereru getting close to release, and kaka. So special to get up and close to these NZ birds. We were also privileged to see three three-day old kaka chicks, with one egg still to hatch. Russell and May do a fantastic job and we thank them for hosting us. Perhaps kakariki are next to be increasing in numbers in the wild?
The Southland Community Nursery then became our base as we created window protectors and adorned the education centre tree with Kereru (including origami versions). Testing the depth of water in Rance’s stream using a flax claddy, noticing newly planted natives and feeding the ducks at the wetland pond followed a walk through kahikatia swamp forest where we checked out a weta motel (there were three in residence), spotted pest trapping underway, and breathed in the forest. And we counted two kereru flying. Thanks to Chris and Brian Rance for the use of their wonderful venue and surrounds, sharing their knowledge and helping out. Thanks also to F&B member Edith supporting us on the day.
With a new coordinator based in Invercargill it is hoped that KCC will grow. With 5 families, and 10 children today it was a great start to building KCC numbers around Invercargill.
Already those that were here today were talking about wanting to go back and see the kaka as they grow, and suggested other KCC outings – so watch this space! To find out more about kcc or to join and receive the “Wild Things” magazines visit www.kcc.org.nz or phone Bronwyn.
Bronwyn Graham (2130017)
Posted: 11 October 2015