The weather was perfect and the view of the distant Coromandel Peninsula was stunning. The Kaiaua foreshore was just the place for our Labour Weekend FLOCK appearance. Thanks to Louisa who was much involved with planning this event.
It took an hour or so to put the 500+ birds in the ground. Lots of the birds come from local schools as did many of the spectators, along with their mums and dads.
One small FLOCK had just come from Mangatangi School’s Calf Day held the day before..
There were also a few live birds that joined the FLOCK like these red-billed gulls.
The South Island pied oystercatchers were a bit more standoffish.
Luckily we had a couple of scopes along so that visitors could get a good close-up view of the real birds.
A highlight of the occasion was the arrival of a coach load from Auckland, members of the Chinese community with involvement in conservation activities.
Earlier this month a FLOCK of 50 “godwits” was welcomed onto the Piritahi Marae, Waiheke Island. The powhiri was witnessed by some real godwits down on the shore. Trudy Lane, one of the FLOCK team, was there to accept the gift of these “birds” for our FLOCK.
Across the Tasman there is a big event planned, the Shorebird Festival at ST. Kilda on 30th October.
Dave and Mick from Pooraka Farm Mens’ Shed produced cut-out birds to be decorated.
This weekend there was a big painting session at the Port Adelaide Information Centre.
Here at Pukorokoro Miranda we have been welcoming back our Arctic migrants from their breeding season.
Here and down South our endemic birds are busy breeding. Great efforts are underway on the South Island braided rivers to protect against predators.
Can you find the Wrybill nest among the river pebbles, in this photo from Nick Ledgard?
Predators find it easily. Hedgehogs are a major problem for ground nesting birds, both in the braided rivers and coastal sites.
We have just received this video from young Jamie Tully. Jamie was at Devonport recently when Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. John Key and Hon. Maggie Barry, Minister for Conservation, visited. Thanks Jamie.
This is a good place to give advance notice of 2 events happening in Devonport. All the schools in Devonport are making birds for the FLOCK. Their birds and others will be on display in Windsor Park, Devonport from 18-28 November. It will be a spectacular, in fact majestical, FLOCK appearance.
Also in Devonport on Sunday 20th November there will be a special film show and commentaries from Adrian Riegen and Keith Woodley at the Victoria Theatre. Don’t miss out you can book online now www.thevic.co.nz
The FLOCK team would love to see you in Devonport.
Source: The Flock