Birds – Friends of Tawa Bush Reserves

Resurgence of kererū numbers in Tawa reserves

Seeds from many native trees rely on kererū for dispersal. With the extinction the huia and moa, kererū are the only native birds with a wide enough mouth to swallow large fruit. These include fruit of karaka, pūriri, taraire and tawa. The North Island kokako can also consume these fruit but their natural distribution doesContinue reading “Resurgence of kererū numbers in Tawa reserves”

Kakariki sighted!

Gil Roper reports that four juvenile kakariki were heard and then sighted in Redwood Bush on Monday morning 14 November, 2022. They were seen by members of the U3A Botany group near the two huge pukatea trees, beside the stream that crosses the track in the gully between Achilles Close and Peterhouse Street. As theseContinue reading “Kakariki sighted!”

Kākāriki frequently heard and sighted in Redwood Bush

Kākāriki or red-crowned parakeets are one of three species of endemic parakeets found in NZ. The name means ‘small green parrot’ because of their predominantly green plumage. They make a loud rapid chatter in flight and also chatter and babble when feeding. Such sounds have been regularly heard, especially at the north end of RedwoodContinue reading “Kākāriki frequently heard and sighted in Redwood Bush”

What do Kererū eat in Winter?

There is minimal seed and fruit available from native trees in winter. Kererū frequently supplement their diet by consuming tree lucerne and young kowhai leaves which are both high in protein. Also when these plants are flowering, kererū take nectar from flowers. These birds are vital for dispersing the seed of large fruiting trees suchContinue reading “What do Kererū eat in Winter?”

Kārearea (NZ falcon) spotted in Tawa

This bird was spotted just a few metres away on the roof of a Tawa suburban home in mid-May 2021, while it was in pursuit of a homing pigeon. Aggressive aerial hunters, these predatory birds are becoming more common in Tawa. This is pleasing to see as they are recognised as an endangered NZ speciesContinue reading “Kārearea (NZ falcon) spotted in Tawa”