10,000 Birds

AUGUST 1, 2021

We have to understand, though, that this was a natural predator and not one of our introduced feral cats or foxes. The chick is just to the right of the adult bird in the photo below in the shade. Over the next few days we expect the Pied Oystercatcher family to make the trek two kilometres down the beach to Gantheaume Point.

Eggs 264

Eggs Feral Cats Feral Fox 264

10,000 Birds

FEBRUARY 6, 2013

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. Yes, Gareth Morgan’s position, when examined beyond attention grabbing headlines is a great deal more nuanced that headlines might suggest.

New Zealand 157

New Zealand Possums SPCA Cats 157

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 18, 2012

The lake was filled with families of Dusky Moorhens and Purple Swamphens (or Pukeko as we call them in New Zealand), all tending small groups of black chicks. Magpie-larks are neither magpies nor larks but are the largest of the monarch-flycatchers, and the most terrestrial of the family.

New Zealand 185

New Zealand Ducks Australia Japan 185