A Surprise Result
Every three months a monitor is carried out on the 350ha Rat project block at Pt. Charles to ascertain the effectiveness of the trapping regime carried out on a weekly basis.
This involves putting out inked cards in plastic tunnels with a little bit of lure bait
(usually peanut butter) to attract rodents who then leave footprints on the cards.There are sixty of these monitoring tunnel stations across the block.
From these we are able to establish a presence or absence of rats and mice and watch for any increase in presence. Over the past year rats have been virtually zero and mice have been in moderate numbers. These cards are sensitive enough to pick up other creatures footprints as well; for instance, lizards.Although none have been recorded so far, after nearly two years of monitoring.
For the first time, last month the monitoring recorded Weta footprints however. -Not one card, but 30% of the cards! This is wonderful news for several reasons.
Rats eat Weta. Weta turning up, passing through monitoring tunnels suggests an increase in numbers as a result of decreased rat numbers.
They are an integral part of many birds diet. This is high protein on the “hop”, and plays an important part in raising hormonal levels prior to breeding, and adolescent growth.
So with the translocation of North Island Robins just round the corner (Spring, hopefully), this is especially good news. These birds are mainly insect and low-to-ground feeders, and Weta would be a part of their diet.
Disappearing Bird?- Reef Heron (Egretta sacra sacra)
Anybody seen this bird of late?
Not to be confused with our White Faced Heron which seems to be increasing in numbers. This Heron is darker, solitary, and has no white patch around the eye.
Three or four used to be seen around the rocky shore of Colville Bay/ Whangaahei (Big Bay) and one or two around the north end of Waikawau Bay; but in the last two years have not been sited. If you do happen to see one would you please let me know- I am helping with a census.
This bird has the interesting behaviour of “hooding” its head with outspread wings. This creates a shaded place which attracts fish, which are promptly snapped up.
Quite an amazing behaviour to watch.
Coming Events
*After this month’s Full Moon, Kiwi monitoring in the MEG Sanctuary will commence.
This consists of five two-hour listens over five nights on the dark of the moon and will carry on into June if not completed in May.
There are six listening “posts’’. This year volunteers from the ‘Habitat Tuateawa’ conservation group with train up and help with listens in their area.
It is hoped to start around the 7th May.
Anyone interested in coming along to listen while the monitoring is taking is welcome.
It’s quite an experience hearing male and female kiwi calling to each other across deep forested valleys, under intense starlight you can almost reach up and touch!
*Waikato Botanical Society are visiting on the weekend of the 12th/13th May and will be staying in Waikawau Bay while they carry out a botanical survey of the wetlands and coastal salt marsh habitats. If anyone is interested in joining us for this study they would be more than welcome (limited numbers). This should be a fun time and really interesting. Bring gumboots, wet weather gear, lunch and a drink.
