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| Shining Cuckoo |
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| Helm's Butterfly |
Bruno and Barbara saw two Kaka over their house last week.
I will leave information on Judi's new plant finds until my next blog when summer may have arrived!
Thursday 1 December 2011
Kamikaze cuckoos and other birds
There has been some discussion on the NZ birding website recently on the subject of shining cuckoos being especially prone to hitting windows. There have been good numbers of cuckoos here this spring with several around the house. Sure enough one hit the windows a week or so ago and landed on the deck where it sat dazed. I placed it in a bird box in the hot water cupboard as it was cold and windy outside. After an hour or so it had perked up and when taken outside it flew off with no obvious damage. Cuckoos are strong fliers and travel rapidly through forest cover so no doubt have little time to react if a sunny gap in the foliage suddenly turns into a sheet of double glazing! A young swallow also hit a window but after a brief rest it flew off. It was one of a family that feeds around the house and seems to have recovered fully.
I am still waiting to hear more about the Helm's Butterfly Judi and I saw on the 20th but at the Waikato Biodiversity Forum earlier this week in Coromandel no-one was able to shed much light on their distribution and rarity. I will put any information that I receive on a future blog. (Following photo is by George Gibbs in 'Nature Guide to the New Zealand Forest' by John Dawson and Rob Lucas)
An initial analysis of 80 five minute bird counts I have completed across the estate in the past two months shows that numbers of several indigenous forest birds are up on the past two years. This is particularly so for Fantail, Tomtit, Cuckoo and Kereru. Tui and bellbird may also have increased. There appears to be an increase in several exotic species such as Rosella and Blackbird. My feeling is that the survey results are reflecting a genuine increase in bird numbers. The present health of the forest with abundant fruiting will hopefully result in a good breeding season and a further increase in numbers.
Bruno and Barbara saw two Kaka over their house last week.
I will leave information on Judi's new plant finds until my next blog when summer may have arrived!
Bruno and Barbara saw two Kaka over their house last week.
I will leave information on Judi's new plant finds until my next blog when summer may have arrived!
Tuesday 22 November 2011
Helms Butterfly recorded on estate
We have now had a fortnight of strong westerlies which haven't been pleasant but we have missed the appalling weather experienced across most of the country. Temperatures have been between 10 and 20 degrees and there has been very little rain.
The biggest excitement for me was coming across a superb Helms Butterfly (Dodonidia helmsi) on the 20th November. This was a real surprise as they are rare and normally fly in January and February. They are known to occur on the Coromandel but they are becoming increasingly scarce due to loss of food plants and introduced wasps preying on their larva. My butterfly book states that they are the most likely NZ butterfly to become extinct so it is a bit of a coup for the estate. I am waiting to hear more from the specialists. They are a stunningly beautiful butterfly so lets hope we find more.
Another bit of good news is that Dion (Merv's son) saw a kiwi on the estate road near the original big slip when coming in late at night. This is about half way between the birds at numbers 2 and 16 (Shirley and Tim and Karen and Sebastian). It was feeding beside the road which reinforces the need to drive with care and to exclude dogs.
This morning I completed this years bird monitoring (delayed by the weather) so I will have to leave reporting my findings until my next blog. A new estate bird for me (this week) was a small flock of Red billed Gulls beating into the howling westerly over the northern end of the estate. Not very exciting I'm afraid but it does show that marine birds may turn up on the estate particularly during exceptional weather events. There have been 2 or 3 Mynas recently, usually around number 1. Rosellas are also more frequent throughout the estate. Both pretty birds but I fear that they may compete with the natives. A more pleasing event was a fly over of 3 kaka - presumably making for the Manaia.
There is terrific growth in the forest at the moment with many trees in flower - the Manuka are looking spectacular. Jude has made some interesting finds but that will also have to wait to a later blog.
The biggest excitement for me was coming across a superb Helms Butterfly (Dodonidia helmsi) on the 20th November. This was a real surprise as they are rare and normally fly in January and February. They are known to occur on the Coromandel but they are becoming increasingly scarce due to loss of food plants and introduced wasps preying on their larva. My butterfly book states that they are the most likely NZ butterfly to become extinct so it is a bit of a coup for the estate. I am waiting to hear more from the specialists. They are a stunningly beautiful butterfly so lets hope we find more.
Another bit of good news is that Dion (Merv's son) saw a kiwi on the estate road near the original big slip when coming in late at night. This is about half way between the birds at numbers 2 and 16 (Shirley and Tim and Karen and Sebastian). It was feeding beside the road which reinforces the need to drive with care and to exclude dogs.
This morning I completed this years bird monitoring (delayed by the weather) so I will have to leave reporting my findings until my next blog. A new estate bird for me (this week) was a small flock of Red billed Gulls beating into the howling westerly over the northern end of the estate. Not very exciting I'm afraid but it does show that marine birds may turn up on the estate particularly during exceptional weather events. There have been 2 or 3 Mynas recently, usually around number 1. Rosellas are also more frequent throughout the estate. Both pretty birds but I fear that they may compete with the natives. A more pleasing event was a fly over of 3 kaka - presumably making for the Manaia.
There is terrific growth in the forest at the moment with many trees in flower - the Manuka are looking spectacular. Jude has made some interesting finds but that will also have to wait to a later blog.
Monday 31 October 2011
Summer around the corner
We have recently returned from three weeks down in Christchurch so missed what by all accounts was some cold and miserable weather at Mahakirau. Since
we arrived back in the forest last week we have enjoyed some beautiful weather with no rain and little wind. Temperatures have generally been in the 10-20 degree range.
Birds are very active - especially the kereru. We appear to have half a dozen or so individuals around the house and they spend much of their time cooing to each other, feeding on the abundant supply of bright orange pigeonwood berries or swooping down from the tall rata ending in their spectacular stall and dive displays. It is easy to believe that they take an interest in our activities as when we are working outside they conduct low level flybys close overhead. The tui also appear to take an interest in us as they noisily swoosh past - particularly if we are sitting or bending down. They have been conducting some spectacular high speed dives from a considerable height. They plunge vertically down into the bush before averting disaster at the last minute with terrific feather noise as they brake out of their dives.
Two morepork join us when we are on the deck in the evening. They sit just above us in the totara either watching us or chasing the puriri moths attracted by the floodlights.
On the night of the rugby world cup final we had two possums on the deck. According to Bruce, who is currently working on the estate on pest control, possum numbers are low. These were the first we had seen since returning. Nonetheless we trapped three around the house on the following two nights so they are around. Bruce has also taken out two goats and pigs and saw a ferret feeding on a dead possum.
Shining cuckoo and kingfishers are in good numbers and are calling noisily but apart from during the dawn chorus, bellbirds are fairly quiet. They may be well into their nesting activities. Grey warblers, silvereye and fantails are evident but I have not heard tomtit around the house since we came back. A harrier was displaying high above the house today and californian quail are back near the picnic area. The rosellas are busy and have been very vocal with several pairs in the picnic area valley.
White rata (Metrosideros diffusa), olearia (Olearia rani), forest cabbage tree (Cordyline banksii) and rewa rewa (Knightia excelsa) are flowering, but apart from isolated plants the wonderful display of native clematis is now over - flowers replaced by prolific clumps of seed heads. Manuka, rangiora and several other trees and shrubs are also flowering so there is a haze of white across the forest.
I will be working on the bird monitoring soon so will report on the results in my next blog.
we arrived back in the forest last week we have enjoyed some beautiful weather with no rain and little wind. Temperatures have generally been in the 10-20 degree range.
Birds are very active - especially the kereru. We appear to have half a dozen or so individuals around the house and they spend much of their time cooing to each other, feeding on the abundant supply of bright orange pigeonwood berries or swooping down from the tall rata ending in their spectacular stall and dive displays. It is easy to believe that they take an interest in our activities as when we are working outside they conduct low level flybys close overhead. The tui also appear to take an interest in us as they noisily swoosh past - particularly if we are sitting or bending down. They have been conducting some spectacular high speed dives from a considerable height. They plunge vertically down into the bush before averting disaster at the last minute with terrific feather noise as they brake out of their dives.
Two morepork join us when we are on the deck in the evening. They sit just above us in the totara either watching us or chasing the puriri moths attracted by the floodlights.
On the night of the rugby world cup final we had two possums on the deck. According to Bruce, who is currently working on the estate on pest control, possum numbers are low. These were the first we had seen since returning. Nonetheless we trapped three around the house on the following two nights so they are around. Bruce has also taken out two goats and pigs and saw a ferret feeding on a dead possum.
Shining cuckoo and kingfishers are in good numbers and are calling noisily but apart from during the dawn chorus, bellbirds are fairly quiet. They may be well into their nesting activities. Grey warblers, silvereye and fantails are evident but I have not heard tomtit around the house since we came back. A harrier was displaying high above the house today and californian quail are back near the picnic area. The rosellas are busy and have been very vocal with several pairs in the picnic area valley.
White rata (Metrosideros diffusa), olearia (Olearia rani), forest cabbage tree (Cordyline banksii) and rewa rewa (Knightia excelsa) are flowering, but apart from isolated plants the wonderful display of native clematis is now over - flowers replaced by prolific clumps of seed heads. Manuka, rangiora and several other trees and shrubs are also flowering so there is a haze of white across the forest.
I will be working on the bird monitoring soon so will report on the results in my next blog.
Tuesday 20 September 2011
First cuckoo of the spring
The first cuckoo (pipiwharauroa) I have head this spring was singing near the picnic area on the 18th September. Since then, and despite a southerly wind, several birds have been calling around the estate. I wish they had brought the warmth with them from their winter quarters in the Solomons and other islands in the Bismark Archipelago. Time for the grey warblers, the cuckoo's main host, to keep their heads down!
Bird activity has picked up noticeably in the past fortnight with kingfisher (kotare) calling and tui staking out territories.
Pigeon (kereru) are very much in evidence. They have been displaying around the house. They drop down from a perch, swoop up vertically and stall before diving down with their wings held out stiffly. These display flights often coincide with egg-laying and there is a fantastic crop of pigeonwood berries this year which should result in a good breeding season for the kereru. They time their breeding to coincide with fruit availability and in a good year may lay as many as three clutches, each with a single egg. Kereru feed their newly hatched chicks with cropmilk - a secretion from the crop wall. Pigeons and doves are the only birds that produce food for their chicks apart from Emperor Penguins (like 'Happy Feet') and flamingoes. To measure breeding success we need to watch for young birds from now on. These are smaller than adults and have conspicuously short tails - a test for observation skills!
Unfortunately, a good fruiting season will mean more rats and consequently more stoats, so pest control will be crucial this year. It is shaping up to be a fascinating summer in the forest.
Bird activity has picked up noticeably in the past fortnight with kingfisher (kotare) calling and tui staking out territories.
Pigeon (kereru) are very much in evidence. They have been displaying around the house. They drop down from a perch, swoop up vertically and stall before diving down with their wings held out stiffly. These display flights often coincide with egg-laying and there is a fantastic crop of pigeonwood berries this year which should result in a good breeding season for the kereru. They time their breeding to coincide with fruit availability and in a good year may lay as many as three clutches, each with a single egg. Kereru feed their newly hatched chicks with cropmilk - a secretion from the crop wall. Pigeons and doves are the only birds that produce food for their chicks apart from Emperor Penguins (like 'Happy Feet') and flamingoes. To measure breeding success we need to watch for young birds from now on. These are smaller than adults and have conspicuously short tails - a test for observation skills!
Unfortunately, a good fruiting season will mean more rats and consequently more stoats, so pest control will be crucial this year. It is shaping up to be a fascinating summer in the forest.
Saturday 10 September 2011
Spring update
The wind has shifted to the north after an extended period of southerlies and tonight feels warmer as a consequence. We have had some lovely days but the nights have been cold. Temperatures for August ranged from a minimum of 0C to a maximum of 15C. The first few days of September have seen temperatures creep up to 16C. As I write this blog we are at last enjoying some rain!! With the warmth of spring there has been a burst of growth in the bush with puawhananga (Clematis paniculata) now appearing all across the estate. Rangiora (Brachyglottis repanda) and manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) are in bloom while the first of the epiphytic brachyglottis (Brachyglottis kirkii var. kirkii) flowers have appeared.
Unfortunately stoats are also enjoying the spring weather. At Bruno and Barbara's we saw a stoat near the top of a pigeonwood (Hedycarya arborea). It ran vertically face-down the trunk with all the dexterity of a squirrel. The speed at which it moved reminded us of what destructive and efficient killers these animals are - in the canopy as well as on the ground. All we can do is keep trapping and hope that enough of our native birds survive to successfully raise young.
The kiwi report prepared by Patrick Stewart of Red Admiral Ecology concludes that we have a relic kiwi population on the estate of a few birds. It is highly unlikely that they will successfully raise offspring due to predation. Sadly, his opinion is that, without intervention, the mature birds will gradually die out - as has happened in so many parts of the Peninsula. It is possible that new birds could move into the estate but this is dependent upon successful breeding elsewhere coupled with an avoidance of predation on the journey from places such as Moehau, Whenuakite or Kuaotunu. Consequently, he concludes that if we wish to have kiwi on the estate then our best option is to explore the possibility of joining Operation Nest Egg (ONE). Becoming part of this exciting initiative would mean that any involvement from the estate would contribute to the Peninsula-wide attempt to save the Coromandel Kiwi. It would be contingent on us having at least one breeding pair. Any nesting would be closely monitored so that eggs could be removed and artificially incubated off site. The chicks would then be raised in a protected environment. I understand that there are plans to set up a breeding population of Coromandel Kiwi on the newly predator-free Motutapu Island in the Hauraki Gulf. Once the young birds reach a size that they have a chance of survival against stoats and other predators then some of our birds could be reintroduced to Mahakirau to supplement the resident birds. This approach would depend on agreement from ONE, enthusiasm from Mahakirau lot owners as well as the presence of breeding birds on the estate. I will approach the relevant players and keep you informed of any developments. However, if you have any comments or views please let me know.
Finally, Judy saw and I heard Paradise Shelduck on the estate. These birds are usually seen on farmland or in coastal,wetland and river environments. No doubt they were passing through as there is very little suitable habitat here. Nonetheless it is good to record a new species for the estate.
Unfortunately stoats are also enjoying the spring weather. At Bruno and Barbara's we saw a stoat near the top of a pigeonwood (Hedycarya arborea). It ran vertically face-down the trunk with all the dexterity of a squirrel. The speed at which it moved reminded us of what destructive and efficient killers these animals are - in the canopy as well as on the ground. All we can do is keep trapping and hope that enough of our native birds survive to successfully raise young.
The kiwi report prepared by Patrick Stewart of Red Admiral Ecology concludes that we have a relic kiwi population on the estate of a few birds. It is highly unlikely that they will successfully raise offspring due to predation. Sadly, his opinion is that, without intervention, the mature birds will gradually die out - as has happened in so many parts of the Peninsula. It is possible that new birds could move into the estate but this is dependent upon successful breeding elsewhere coupled with an avoidance of predation on the journey from places such as Moehau, Whenuakite or Kuaotunu. Consequently, he concludes that if we wish to have kiwi on the estate then our best option is to explore the possibility of joining Operation Nest Egg (ONE). Becoming part of this exciting initiative would mean that any involvement from the estate would contribute to the Peninsula-wide attempt to save the Coromandel Kiwi. It would be contingent on us having at least one breeding pair. Any nesting would be closely monitored so that eggs could be removed and artificially incubated off site. The chicks would then be raised in a protected environment. I understand that there are plans to set up a breeding population of Coromandel Kiwi on the newly predator-free Motutapu Island in the Hauraki Gulf. Once the young birds reach a size that they have a chance of survival against stoats and other predators then some of our birds could be reintroduced to Mahakirau to supplement the resident birds. This approach would depend on agreement from ONE, enthusiasm from Mahakirau lot owners as well as the presence of breeding birds on the estate. I will approach the relevant players and keep you informed of any developments. However, if you have any comments or views please let me know.
Finally, Judy saw and I heard Paradise Shelduck on the estate. These birds are usually seen on farmland or in coastal,wetland and river environments. No doubt they were passing through as there is very little suitable habitat here. Nonetheless it is good to record a new species for the estate.
Tuesday 30 August 2011
first touch of spring
Today Judi spotted a clump of flowering clematis below the house. Jude H also saw some up at number 5. Clematis seems to herald the start of spring in the forest. It gives the same warm feeling as frolicking lambs and daffodils! A couple of warm and sunny weeks have resulted in a burst of growth from the shrub layer with the olearias, five fingers and so on all showing fresh new growth.
Bird activity has increased with plenty of tui, kereru, fantail, grey warbler, tomtit, silvereye and bellbird activity. Kingfisher have returned to the forest and californian quail have been calling from the gorse paddocks. Rosella have been noisy. Most days harriers have been displaying high over the forest. It is usually their calls that attract attention but once located their slow motion flight with swooping dives is visually spectacular.
The large number of stoats trapped this month has given the harriers an easy source of food. They seem to be able to locate the dead animals although I am unsure if they are overturning the traps to get at them. Whilst it is good that we are catching stoats it does suggest that they must be numerous through the estate which is depressing. We have caught a few possums near the house although we have not seen a lot when driving through the estate at night.
Judi and I went up to Stony Bay on the 19th. There were NZ dotterel in most bays with more than 40 birds at Colville Bay. Nearby was a fully albino Oystercatcher with bright white plumage, pink legs and a red eye. It was very striking contrasting with other roosting variable oystercatchers. I am uncertain whether full albinism is frequent in oystercatchers. Other interesting birds were a sizeable flock of about 40 pateke (brown teal) loafing at the mouth of the Umangawha Stream in the bay.
We have received the estate kiwi report from Patrick Stewart so once I have reviewed this I will circulate the highlights via this blog.
Bird activity has increased with plenty of tui, kereru, fantail, grey warbler, tomtit, silvereye and bellbird activity. Kingfisher have returned to the forest and californian quail have been calling from the gorse paddocks. Rosella have been noisy. Most days harriers have been displaying high over the forest. It is usually their calls that attract attention but once located their slow motion flight with swooping dives is visually spectacular.
The large number of stoats trapped this month has given the harriers an easy source of food. They seem to be able to locate the dead animals although I am unsure if they are overturning the traps to get at them. Whilst it is good that we are catching stoats it does suggest that they must be numerous through the estate which is depressing. We have caught a few possums near the house although we have not seen a lot when driving through the estate at night.
Judi and I went up to Stony Bay on the 19th. There were NZ dotterel in most bays with more than 40 birds at Colville Bay. Nearby was a fully albino Oystercatcher with bright white plumage, pink legs and a red eye. It was very striking contrasting with other roosting variable oystercatchers. I am uncertain whether full albinism is frequent in oystercatchers. Other interesting birds were a sizeable flock of about 40 pateke (brown teal) loafing at the mouth of the Umangawha Stream in the bay.
We have received the estate kiwi report from Patrick Stewart so once I have reviewed this I will circulate the highlights via this blog.
Monday 15 August 2011
winter at mahakirau
After three months in the northern hemisphere we are settled back into the forest. We had a week of fine weather but now we are caught in the polar blast that has brought snow to most of the country. We actually had a sleet shower yesterday and awoke to the first real frost we have experienced up here. The thermometer read -2 at 8.00 this morning and it still feels cold despite sunshine for much of the day.
I spent one evening last week with Patrick Stewart listening for kiwi - without success. However he had heard a male from the 309 which was almost certainly 'Shirley's' bird. In fact Shirley heard it calling the next night so it appears that there are at least two males on the estate with the other near to Sebastian and Karen's.
When the weather was warm and sunny last week the birds were active with several Kereru, Tui, Tomtit and Bellbird around the house. Two pairs of swallow were prospecting in the carport and flocks of silvereye were in the fivefinger. With this bitter weather it is difficult to know what insects the fantails and grey warbler are finding to feed on. A few morepork have been calling at night and harriers have been quartering the paddock and road edges during the day.
Two white goats worked their way through the estate from the hillside beyond Tim and Jude's via the road to the ridge at Harolds. At least two pigs were in the gorse paddock last week. Other animal activity has been limited to a trapped stoat providing sustenance to a harrier and two possums caught by the house.
We spotted the first of the native clematis flowering on a warm slope above the pohutakawa coast but don't expect it on the estate for a few weeks yet.
Hopefully we will have more to report once the weather warms a little and plants begin to flower.
I spent one evening last week with Patrick Stewart listening for kiwi - without success. However he had heard a male from the 309 which was almost certainly 'Shirley's' bird. In fact Shirley heard it calling the next night so it appears that there are at least two males on the estate with the other near to Sebastian and Karen's.
When the weather was warm and sunny last week the birds were active with several Kereru, Tui, Tomtit and Bellbird around the house. Two pairs of swallow were prospecting in the carport and flocks of silvereye were in the fivefinger. With this bitter weather it is difficult to know what insects the fantails and grey warbler are finding to feed on. A few morepork have been calling at night and harriers have been quartering the paddock and road edges during the day.
Two white goats worked their way through the estate from the hillside beyond Tim and Jude's via the road to the ridge at Harolds. At least two pigs were in the gorse paddock last week. Other animal activity has been limited to a trapped stoat providing sustenance to a harrier and two possums caught by the house.
We spotted the first of the native clematis flowering on a warm slope above the pohutakawa coast but don't expect it on the estate for a few weeks yet.
Hopefully we will have more to report once the weather warms a little and plants begin to flower.
Thursday 21 April 2011
Autumn weather
Earlier in the week we had the first southerly blast of the autumn. we were in Auckland and the weather was really foul. It came as a bit of a shock after such lovely weather for so long. However by the time we got back to Mahakirau the sun was shining again! Although it had felt very cold with the strong wind the minimum temperature we recorded was 7C. Today it was up to 18C and felt much hotter in the sun.
Judi and I went for a bush-wack along the boundary between lots 12 and 13 (us and Harold) where we thought we had spied a large Kahikatea with the telescope. Finally we found a magnificent old specimen and a couple of younger trees nearby. The ridge appears to have been heavily logged in the past but for some reason this tree was left untouched.
Much of our time in the bush recently has been spent trying to identify different fern species. The estate is fantastically rich in ferns and while Judi has already identified a wide range we have probably only just begun to appreciate the diversity. The same is true of the fungi which are everywhere at the moment. Bruno and Barbara have found some interesting specimens and every time we venture out we seem to see some new type.
Birds have been active with flocks of up to a dozen silvereye, often accompanied by fantail. Tui and bellbird are singing well now and we saw eleven tui in the air at once above the house. Kingfisher are still around but are fairly quiet. Their food may be less bountiful as the cicadas have gone quiet and the crickets are less numerous. The same can't be said for the rosellas which have been very active and noisy.
Last night we caught our fifteenth possum since we came up from Christchurch a few weeks ago. Bruno has also caught several and we saw one tonight on the road by lot 18. They all look very healthy with magnificent coats.
Our next blog is likely to come from somewhere in the northern hemisphere so if anyone is on the estate and sees something interesting please keep a record or let me know and I will report it.
Judi and I went for a bush-wack along the boundary between lots 12 and 13 (us and Harold) where we thought we had spied a large Kahikatea with the telescope. Finally we found a magnificent old specimen and a couple of younger trees nearby. The ridge appears to have been heavily logged in the past but for some reason this tree was left untouched.
Much of our time in the bush recently has been spent trying to identify different fern species. The estate is fantastically rich in ferns and while Judi has already identified a wide range we have probably only just begun to appreciate the diversity. The same is true of the fungi which are everywhere at the moment. Bruno and Barbara have found some interesting specimens and every time we venture out we seem to see some new type.
Birds have been active with flocks of up to a dozen silvereye, often accompanied by fantail. Tui and bellbird are singing well now and we saw eleven tui in the air at once above the house. Kingfisher are still around but are fairly quiet. Their food may be less bountiful as the cicadas have gone quiet and the crickets are less numerous. The same can't be said for the rosellas which have been very active and noisy.
Last night we caught our fifteenth possum since we came up from Christchurch a few weeks ago. Bruno has also caught several and we saw one tonight on the road by lot 18. They all look very healthy with magnificent coats.
Our next blog is likely to come from somewhere in the northern hemisphere so if anyone is on the estate and sees something interesting please keep a record or let me know and I will report it.
Sunday 10 April 2011
MFESI agm
Its been a while since I blogged but Jude and I spent a week or so in Christchurch returning for the estate agm held in Chris and Marilyn's new house. It was great to catch up with many MFESI members and the weather and food were excellent! Tim and Jude heard a kiwi at the weekend and Chris and Marilyn saw four Kaka over their place. Tomtit are singing well and there are plenty of kereru around. Jude and I have continued plant hunting and have found more Kauri and Kawaka which is exciting.
There have been a number of butterflies around with the hot weather and we have seen Red and Yellow Admiral, Monarch, Cabbage White, Little Blue and Common Copper. I also thought that I saw an Enys but was unable to confirm that. We haven't had the courage to begin trying to identify the moths yet!!
On the bad news front, wasps continue to be a problem and I have been unable to find the nest that must be somewhere nearby. Also there has been a re-invasion of possums and we have caught ten in the past month. Bruno has also caught several. This is a bit surprising as we had seen very few possums over the summer.
Today we went to the farmers market in Coroglen and then a beach walk at Hot Water Beach. The market has a really friendly, community atmosphere and a great range of locally grown fruit, veges and meats. If you are here at the weekend it is a very enjoyable way to spend a Sunday morning.
The weather has been fantastic and the clear still nights have been perfect for star gazing. However it is getting cooler at night and the valley down to Whitianga is shrouded in mist each morning. What a joy to wake to that view...
There have been a number of butterflies around with the hot weather and we have seen Red and Yellow Admiral, Monarch, Cabbage White, Little Blue and Common Copper. I also thought that I saw an Enys but was unable to confirm that. We haven't had the courage to begin trying to identify the moths yet!!
On the bad news front, wasps continue to be a problem and I have been unable to find the nest that must be somewhere nearby. Also there has been a re-invasion of possums and we have caught ten in the past month. Bruno has also caught several. This is a bit surprising as we had seen very few possums over the summer.
Today we went to the farmers market in Coroglen and then a beach walk at Hot Water Beach. The market has a really friendly, community atmosphere and a great range of locally grown fruit, veges and meats. If you are here at the weekend it is a very enjoyable way to spend a Sunday morning.
The weather has been fantastic and the clear still nights have been perfect for star gazing. However it is getting cooler at night and the valley down to Whitianga is shrouded in mist each morning. What a joy to wake to that view...
Tuesday 22 March 2011
real rain
Last night we had the predicted gale and 180-200 mm of rain which filled the tanks. The noise of the waterfall from the house was incredible. The stream and falls were still impressive when we went down this morning although the volume was much reduced. A friend who was staying the night with us left for Tauranga at 10am and took over eight hours to get there what with slips and floods. Apparently near Tairua the water was 2 meters deep across the road so it must have been an impressive rain event across the Peninsula! Following the storm the weather cleared quickly, the sun came out and the bush is now looking very fresh and green and the crickets have started up again. I haven't been to the gate but there aren't any new slips around lot 12. It had been very warm and sunny over the past couple of weeks so the bush probably needed a good soaking.
When I put my parka on this morning, which had been hanging in the porch, I felt a scratching on my head and there was a large tree weta walking across my forehead. I am not sure whether I can add photos to this blog but if I work it out I will include a picture of the creature. Which of us was most put out I am not sure!
Tim and Jude emailed to say that they had listened to a kiwi calling while in the spa on Saturday night. That seems to me to epitomize what life at Mahakirau should be like! I hope that Patrick will be back up soon to complete the kiwi call survey and we are still hopeful that he will find more birds.
On the bird front there are plenty of Kereru, Tui and Bellbird around and the silvereye are gathering in larger flocks still accompanied by good numbers of fantail. Birds on the estate are looking very well fed with our 'house' tui looking so fat its a miracle he can fly. We also watched a pigeon in a miro tree by the waterfall. It reminded me of an overweight couch potato who had just polished off his twelth can of beer - leaning on a branch with his disheveled wings hanging down below his body, head thrown back unable/unwilling to move. The miro was covered in berries so I expect the bird was seriously inebriated. The Quail in the gorse paddock have a family of tiny fluffy balls that race after the parents with their legs going so fast they look like they are floating. Californian Quail may be exotic introductions but they are so plucky that I hope they keep a step ahead of the stoats, harriers etc.
Turning to plants, Judi and I have continued to find more kauri on the estate which is exciting.
Sorry, no joy with images so I will have to wait for the arrival of the younger generation to try again!
When I put my parka on this morning, which had been hanging in the porch, I felt a scratching on my head and there was a large tree weta walking across my forehead. I am not sure whether I can add photos to this blog but if I work it out I will include a picture of the creature. Which of us was most put out I am not sure!
Tim and Jude emailed to say that they had listened to a kiwi calling while in the spa on Saturday night. That seems to me to epitomize what life at Mahakirau should be like! I hope that Patrick will be back up soon to complete the kiwi call survey and we are still hopeful that he will find more birds.
On the bird front there are plenty of Kereru, Tui and Bellbird around and the silvereye are gathering in larger flocks still accompanied by good numbers of fantail. Birds on the estate are looking very well fed with our 'house' tui looking so fat its a miracle he can fly. We also watched a pigeon in a miro tree by the waterfall. It reminded me of an overweight couch potato who had just polished off his twelth can of beer - leaning on a branch with his disheveled wings hanging down below his body, head thrown back unable/unwilling to move. The miro was covered in berries so I expect the bird was seriously inebriated. The Quail in the gorse paddock have a family of tiny fluffy balls that race after the parents with their legs going so fast they look like they are floating. Californian Quail may be exotic introductions but they are so plucky that I hope they keep a step ahead of the stoats, harriers etc.
Turning to plants, Judi and I have continued to find more kauri on the estate which is exciting.
Sorry, no joy with images so I will have to wait for the arrival of the younger generation to try again!
Saturday 12 March 2011
a night under the stars
We spent seven hours last night listening for Kiwis on the estate. Patrick Stewart from Coromandel brought his call gear and we worked our way through the estate from south to north (top of the estate near lot 22 via lot 6 to Lot 2. It was one of those absolutely magical nights with zero wind, a partial waxing moon that set fairly early and a starscape that had to be seen to be believed. There were some spectacular falling stars including one incredibly bright one that shot horizontally across the sky leaving an impressive trail. It appeared to be just above the trees! Another abiding memory of last night will be the way sound travelled in the still air. There was a party going on at lot 11 and we could hear music and general hilarity throughout our walk from the top of the estate to near the gate!!
Judi, Bruno, Patrick and I started at about 8.30 with a morepork watching us at the gate to lot 22. We had selected a number of spots along the estate road that gave us good line of sight into the various catchments. Patrick played a tape of male and female calls and then we would spend ten minutes listening for reply calls.The highlight for me at the top of the estate was two kaka flying over calling. They looked to be making their way back to Manaia. It is always a treat to see and hear them as they are relatively infrequent visitors to the estate. Plenty of morepork and concentrations of crickets were the main features as we made our way down to lot 19 where Bruno left us. We heard weta at many locations - short bursts of what sounds like a soft comb being drawn across the edge of a piece of paper.
A brief stop at lot 12 for snacks and a warm drink and then Judi, Patrick and I set off up to Tim and Jude's drive. As soon as the tape was played a male kiwi called back which was incredibly exciting. We heard him call several times close to the drive above Sebastian and Karen's house. Apart from this male bird no other kiwis were heard during the night but as Patrick explained that does not mean there are no other birds present. He will provide a report once he has completed a second visit in a few weeks at which point we should have a better feel for what the kiwi situation is on the estate at the moment.
I had hoped that we might hear long tailed cuckoo which are preparing to return to the islands in the tropical Pacific (J and I saw large numbers wintering in Vanuatu). One flew over the picnic area a couple of days ago and last year I heard one at night flying over the estate. They have a very distinctive call described as a long-drawn-out shriek!
We saw/heard a few possums particularly in the northern (lower) parts of the estate. My own personal possum battle at home has had its ups and downs - one trapped, one sitting on a trap and another rat bait station !! A hedgehog (the same as reported in my last blog?) clearly lost its game of 'chicken' with a passing Pirelli on the road above the picnic area!
Patrick found a specimen of Kawaka (Libocedrus plumosa) a New Zealand cedar that has a very limited distribution on Coromandel. Judi and I will go and see if we can find any others later today.
After several glorious days we have had light rain today which the plants will enjoy.
Judi, Bruno, Patrick and I started at about 8.30 with a morepork watching us at the gate to lot 22. We had selected a number of spots along the estate road that gave us good line of sight into the various catchments. Patrick played a tape of male and female calls and then we would spend ten minutes listening for reply calls.The highlight for me at the top of the estate was two kaka flying over calling. They looked to be making their way back to Manaia. It is always a treat to see and hear them as they are relatively infrequent visitors to the estate. Plenty of morepork and concentrations of crickets were the main features as we made our way down to lot 19 where Bruno left us. We heard weta at many locations - short bursts of what sounds like a soft comb being drawn across the edge of a piece of paper.
A brief stop at lot 12 for snacks and a warm drink and then Judi, Patrick and I set off up to Tim and Jude's drive. As soon as the tape was played a male kiwi called back which was incredibly exciting. We heard him call several times close to the drive above Sebastian and Karen's house. Apart from this male bird no other kiwis were heard during the night but as Patrick explained that does not mean there are no other birds present. He will provide a report once he has completed a second visit in a few weeks at which point we should have a better feel for what the kiwi situation is on the estate at the moment.
I had hoped that we might hear long tailed cuckoo which are preparing to return to the islands in the tropical Pacific (J and I saw large numbers wintering in Vanuatu). One flew over the picnic area a couple of days ago and last year I heard one at night flying over the estate. They have a very distinctive call described as a long-drawn-out shriek!
We saw/heard a few possums particularly in the northern (lower) parts of the estate. My own personal possum battle at home has had its ups and downs - one trapped, one sitting on a trap and another rat bait station !! A hedgehog (the same as reported in my last blog?) clearly lost its game of 'chicken' with a passing Pirelli on the road above the picnic area!
Patrick found a specimen of Kawaka (Libocedrus plumosa) a New Zealand cedar that has a very limited distribution on Coromandel. Judi and I will go and see if we can find any others later today.
After several glorious days we have had light rain today which the plants will enjoy.
Tuesday 8 March 2011
Return to Mahakirau
Never having blogged before I thought that I would set up a Mahakirau blog. Its purpose is to keep a record of what is going on in the natural world of the estate. I will try to post material regularly. If anyone wants to follow what is going on they can access the blog.
As many of you know Judi and I timed our visit to Christchurch to perfection! Having been there for September 4th and Boxing Day we also managed to be there for the third major, and much more devastating, earthquake. Having experienced all three major quakes and endless aftershocks our hearts go out to those unable to get away. It is a real luxury for us to be able to escape to our piece of paradise and momentarily forget the devastation down south. Needless to say our future plans are now in turmoil.
We have been up here for a week now and have enjoyed hot sun and some good downpours. At first it was very still and in the gloaming and at night the forest took on the feel of the tropics. The crickets and cicadas were deafening - especially when they made it inside! It is now cooler with the southerly flow that has covered the country and is decidedly autumnal at night.
Unwelcome visitors have been a hedgehog by number 18, a rabbit near number 3 reported by Bruno and under our house a possum trying to trash the rat bait stations. A battle of wits, speed and daring at 1.15am was won overwhelmingly by the possum and I returned to bed bloodied and bruised.
On the bird front we had a flock of nine kereru fly past the house. Fantails are everywhere around this part of the estate and Bruno and Barbara had a party of half a dozen at least. The fantails often follow parties of silvereye which disturb the insects. Tomtit are singing occasionally, as are tui, grey warbler and bellbird. There are a few Kingfisher about and we had one dive down towards us from its perch in a rata and snatch a cicada flying past us. A most impressive display of aerial dexterity. Morepork are calling at night and Bruno heard a kiwi. We hope to carry out a comprehensive kiwi call survey shortly. Morepork successfully reared at least two young just below the house. My efforts to attract swallow to nest in the car port failed although they nested in a cave below the waterfall. Numerous swallow around the estate suggest a good breeding season and as people build houses the numbers are likely to increase.
Away from the estate I saw a flock of more than 100 New Zealand Dotterel which suggests a good breeding season and success for all the efforts to rope off nesting areas on beaches around the peninsula.
We have found a few more Kauri around the estate but it is difficult to understand their distribution. Climbing rata is still flowering and generally the vegetation through the estate looks healthy.
Hopefully the next blog will report on a successful kiwi count.
Regards
Allan
As many of you know Judi and I timed our visit to Christchurch to perfection! Having been there for September 4th and Boxing Day we also managed to be there for the third major, and much more devastating, earthquake. Having experienced all three major quakes and endless aftershocks our hearts go out to those unable to get away. It is a real luxury for us to be able to escape to our piece of paradise and momentarily forget the devastation down south. Needless to say our future plans are now in turmoil.
We have been up here for a week now and have enjoyed hot sun and some good downpours. At first it was very still and in the gloaming and at night the forest took on the feel of the tropics. The crickets and cicadas were deafening - especially when they made it inside! It is now cooler with the southerly flow that has covered the country and is decidedly autumnal at night.
Unwelcome visitors have been a hedgehog by number 18, a rabbit near number 3 reported by Bruno and under our house a possum trying to trash the rat bait stations. A battle of wits, speed and daring at 1.15am was won overwhelmingly by the possum and I returned to bed bloodied and bruised.
On the bird front we had a flock of nine kereru fly past the house. Fantails are everywhere around this part of the estate and Bruno and Barbara had a party of half a dozen at least. The fantails often follow parties of silvereye which disturb the insects. Tomtit are singing occasionally, as are tui, grey warbler and bellbird. There are a few Kingfisher about and we had one dive down towards us from its perch in a rata and snatch a cicada flying past us. A most impressive display of aerial dexterity. Morepork are calling at night and Bruno heard a kiwi. We hope to carry out a comprehensive kiwi call survey shortly. Morepork successfully reared at least two young just below the house. My efforts to attract swallow to nest in the car port failed although they nested in a cave below the waterfall. Numerous swallow around the estate suggest a good breeding season and as people build houses the numbers are likely to increase.
Away from the estate I saw a flock of more than 100 New Zealand Dotterel which suggests a good breeding season and success for all the efforts to rope off nesting areas on beaches around the peninsula.
We have found a few more Kauri around the estate but it is difficult to understand their distribution. Climbing rata is still flowering and generally the vegetation through the estate looks healthy.
Hopefully the next blog will report on a successful kiwi count.
Regards
Allan
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