 |
| Tui, Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae |
Today we are in search of a Tui. This is an iconic bird of New Zealand but it was extirpated from the Canterbury Plains by 1980. Tuis are vocal birds and good mimics (see Woof Woof Tui). The drink nectar and small fruits, and was extirpated from Canterbury due to habit loss. Slowly, through habitat restoration, many of the flowering and fruiting native trees have come back, so folks saw an opportunity to reintroduce the Tui. Thus, the Tui reintroduction project, supported by the local community in Akaroa, scientists, and the government. But, before we go there . . . lets talk about the journey to get to Akaroa.
First up. we piled into the Gatorwaka (our 12 seater - waka is boat in Maori), and took a long and windy road to Akaroa. Of course a photo op at the top looking into Akaroa (Akaroa Bay is actually the crater of an volcano that erupted millions of years ago).
 |
| If you can see beyond the squad, this is Akaroa Bay |
After having the obligatory tea, we met up with Dr. Laura Molles, who helped conduct the Tui restoration project. Seventy-two birds were released about eight years ago in some restored native bush (Hinewai). We will go there tomorrow to hike this reserve by the way. They are doing well and are beginning to move about Banks Peninsula and the hope is for the birds to move across Canterbury. Anyway, we met with Dr, Molles and she explained more about tracking Tuis using radio telemetry. Scientists are trying to determine where they go to forage and breed.
 |
| Dr. Laura Molles |
 |
| Attentive students |
No comments:
Post a Comment