Dabchick and Wetland Survey with Birds NZ : Anzac Day meet at Shelly Beach 9am.
Anzac Day Tuesday 25th April 2023
South Head has some of the richest and most diverse wetlands in the Auckland region. Once a year the South Head community joins with Birds New Zealand to survey and count the birds inhabiting the wetlands on the peninsula. You will be put into teams with a knowledgeable expert giving you the opportunity to learn about the birds and help with the survey. We match your walking fitness to a suitable survey area. Children are welcome and must be accompanied by an adult.
WHEN: 9 am Tuesday 25 April (Anzac Day)
WHERE: Meet at Shelly Beach UPDATED MEETING PLACE
BRING: Suitable weather gear, sensible footwear, Binoculars if you have them, a drink and a snack (optional)
South Kaipara Landcare will provide refreshments afterwards at the home of: Susan Wilson at 469 Wilson Road
For queries, please contact Denise Poyner 09 420-9885
What you will do: We organise people into teams with an expert and head off to an appointed wetland to record the birds, report on the health of the water, and to learn something of our wonderfully varied environment.
What you will see: Owing to the dune lake system, South Head is rich in wetlands. You will find almost every species of wetland bird in the Auckland region represented here - along with some real rarities such as Cattle Egrets, Australasian Little Grebe, Bittern and Spotless Crake. Dabchick is endemic to New Zealand and until recently existed on South Head in quite healthy numbers. Unfortunately, due to habitat change and drying of certain lakes it is becoming increasingly rare and we are concerned that the population might disappear altogether. It is a small grebe that lives almost entirely on the water and feeds by diving and swimming to catch small fishes and water creatures. It builds a nest on a raft of reeds and raises one or two babies in the spring and early summer. The babies can often be seen riding on the mother’s back for protection while she swims around looking for food.
Who should come: This is a great morning out for everyone and if you are interested to take part you are very welcome. We have a variety of sites to cover so can match fitness with the area to be surveyed. Some require a moderate level of fitness while others are very easy. So let us know if you do not wish to do much walking. Children are welcome and must be accompanied by an adult. This is a great opportunity to get to know some of our less well-known places and learn about the magical environment we have on this peninsula