Page 29 - The Villager September 2021

Birding

This was a truly
memorable birding

experience

spotted by Des was defying normal
protocol by feeding in broad
daylight on the ground, much to
the consternation and agitation of Whitehead AR Stitchbird AR
all the other birds in the immediate
area. Its prey was a rare North Island
Saddleback chick, which it no doubt
had lifted from its nest. Irritated by the
unwanted attentions of its concerned
neighbours, the Morepork finally
sought refuge in a cavity at the base
of a nearby tree where it finished its
meal.
Upon our return via Hobbs Beach, North Island Saddleback AR NZ Brown Teal AR
we ironically noticed a Spotless Crake
at a small pond near the wharf. We
later visited another pond in the
valley below the bunkhouse for a
very welcome sighting of a female
NZ Brown Teal, which had also eluded
us thus far and was introduced to the
island for a breeding programme.
Later that evening, we commenced
Spotless Crake AR Southern Red-breasted Plover AR
our quest for the Little Spotted Kiwi,
a member of the family recognised as
the National Bird of New Zealand, with
a long walk along the Wattle Track.
Unfortunately, our efforts were in vain,
although it was heard calling close by.
Ridge Road was next to be explored
but again ‘no dice’. Then Kirsty heard
the easily-recognised call of our target
bird from the lighthouse area, to
Little Spotted Kiwi AR Takahe AR
which we then hastily and excitedly
diverted. As we approached, a curious bunkhouse, a quick visit to the Motor Park for the night.
kiwi (one of a pair) emerged from the lighthouse for some pelagic birding A final two days spent in Auckland
coastal bush onto the road to sniff at produced large numbers of Cook’s for shopping and a very welcome
Des’s shoes (or was it his feet?). Wow! Petrels amongst dozens of plunge- and enjoyable evening braai at the
This particular species, one of six diving Australasian Gannets that home of an ex-South African couple
look-alike Kiwi species, resembles were busy catching their daily quota concluded what for us was one of
its cousins and follows the same of fish. Des and Kirsty’s search for the best and most memorable of our
lifestyle in virtually all respects. It another skulking rarity, the Fernbird, birding trips. In addition to recording
is also endangered, nocturnal, shy, was partly successful, with only Des 57 new species for my world bird list,
and seldom seen. This was a truly securing the briefest of views, thus we met wonderfully friendly people
memorable birding experience, which ending the birding component of our and travelled through and explored
ended close to midnight. trip. Leaving the island in the early one of the most beautiful countries on
After a restful night in the afternoon, we checked into the Orewa our planet.

The Villager • Issue 9 2021 • 27