In May and June, when the moon was not visible, volunteers braved four consecutive nights to listen to the number and direction of kiwi calls in their patch at Mataia. The birds usually start to call about half an hour after sunset. In addition to on-the-spot listening, kiwi volunteer Sue Cameron set out electronic acoustic recorders, providing a permanent record. One site recorded four calls per hour, which is very encouraging.
MRP was very grateful to receive $1000 from the Auckland Council’s Regional Environmental and Natural Heritage Fund and $5000 from the Rodney Local Board to purchase plants for the 2017 winter riparian tree planting season at Mataia. Planters this year have included Women’s Outdoor Pursuits, Hidden Treasures Walking Group, Papatoetoe Intermediate School, Avondale College, Australian School for Field Studies and friends and family
Thanks are extended to the Kings College Year 10 students, who have helped out by clearing tracks and collecting up old rat bait, and to the kiwi catchers who checked and changed transmitters on male kiwi in January and February.
If you wish to become an MRP supporter/friend, contact Kevin and Gill Adshead: kgadshead@xtra.co.nz
When we went to change the transmitter on one of the birds in January, his transmitter told us he was no longer on a nest. One of our kiwi catchers fed his camera into a tunnel and had a wonderful surprise when this fellow appeared on the screen. Needless to say, we left Dad and the chick alone and caught Dad when he had finished babysitting duties!
