10,000 Birds

FEBRUARY 6, 2013

The subject is one that comes up a lot in this blog and other bird blogs, the subject of cats and their effect on wildlife. As most people know cats, both feral and domestic, have a pretty big impact on wild birds and other wildlife, and the effect of mammals is particularly profound in New Zealand.

New Zealand 157

New Zealand Possums SPCA Cats 157

10,000 Birds

JULY 19, 2020

This offers a lot more protection than the exposed nest site. Feral cats are also a problem in Broome. There are dangers around the nest site and the sooner they could move the family away from the exposed nest site the better. The Pied Oystercatchers hide the chicks in the thick vegetation once they leave the nest site.

2020 225

2020 Eggs Feral Cats Breeding 225

10,000 Birds

AUGUST 23, 2015

The main problem appears to be feral cats, but there is also predation from birds of prey and the parent Pied Oystercatchers do their utmost to protect their young. We are unsure of the exact predator, but there are cat prints in the area. Feral cat prints at nest site-eggs gone.

Feral Cats 163

Feral Cats Eggs Feral Cats 163

10,000 Birds

AUGUST 11, 2019

They travel through the dunes where there is shade among the vegetation and some protection from predators. There are still very real threats of predation by feral cats and birds of prey, but we just have to be optimistic. The wind was just too much and they sheltered together in the vegetation at the high tide mark.

Eggs 151

Eggs Feral Cats Shelters Feral 151

10,000 Birds

AUGUST 11, 2018

We do not add debris to protect the nests and the main threat to the nests still appears to be feral cats. Each one of those nests was slightly different and those with the large pieces of debris around them were exactly as we found them.

Eggs 131

Eggs Feral Cats Feral Raised 131

10,000 Birds

MARCH 26, 2014

There was a story this morning that did make my blood freeze, and it had nothing to do with four big cats biting the bullet. The elimination of vultures had its own knock on effects, such as the increase in feral dogs (now that there was more meat available for them) and corresponding increase in rabies.

Lions 150

Lions Giraffes Zoos Killing 150

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 7, 2014

Australia is a vast country with a very small human population, which mostly clings to the edge of the continent. Even the first explorers to Australia documented there was a risk of extinction of birds and animals into the future and subsequently decided to collect as many specimens as possible! Preface,p.xxiv.

Species 189

Species Australia Birds Parrots 189