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December 2007
With all the wet windy
weather the Centre has been very busy with all sorts of forest and
sea birds flying in the door.
Bird news…
For some reason we have had a run of adult tui. The only thing I can
put it down to is that they have run out of food and they are being
forced to eat something that is bad for them; or it may just be a
bit too much for them with all this bad weather.
We currently have two kiwi eggs that were rescued by a DOC Ranger
and they are both doing well. One has hatched and the other is
getting close. I thought it would be a great idea to video the first
one hatching but our new little friend had other ideas. At first
there was a small hole, a short time later there was a crack in the
shell. I got the video camera ready and thought it would be some
time before it hatched. Not the case though. The next time I looked
there was a brand new kiwi chick. So much for the education CD, but
you really can’t tell nature when to do its thing; I will have to
get the next one hatching.
DOC in Kerikeri sent me two little blue penguin eggs. Unfortunately
the parent bird died, but the good thing is that both eggs are
fertile. If we can get them to hatch this will be a first for the
Centre. In fact, when I was researching the correct hatching
temperature I also found out that the Auckland Zoo and Marineland at
Napier have never hatched penguins also.
At this time of the year (mating season) some birds can get a bit
aggressive. Morris our tame minor bird has been getting into a
little bit of trouble lately on the museum grounds for this sort of
behaviour. Mind you, I have seen people provoke and tease him. If
you are visiting the Centre and Morris comes near you, just wave
your hand at him and he will fly away. It’s only over the mating
season that this happens. Let us know if you think he should be
locked away full time, that would be sad as we have never had a
complaint about him ourselves.
Thanks to our supporters…
Over the years the Centre has attained many goals and had quite a
few firsts. And who should get all the credit? YOU!!! That’s right
you, the ones who have supported the Centre, whole heartedly over
the years. Without your support we would not be here today. Its all
about teamwork and everyone out there in the community is part of
our team here at the Centre. There are so many people and
organisations I would like to thank for the support over the years
but to name everyone would take up the whole paper. The three that
have been with us the longest are Northpower, Bayer NZ Ltd and Mike
Daniel. This monthly column, which is sponsored by Northpower, has
been a great way to communicate with people interested in the
Centre. It has reached so many people and has made it possible to
share many things with you.
The Centre at Christmas…
Over the Christmas holidays please remember that most of the time
the Centre is only run by me and Robyn, which is a big load and our
time can often be pressed. For this reason we may not be at the
Centre full time, so it is a good idea to give the Centre a call to
make sure we are there, if you intend on visiting. The Centre is a
24/7 operation so if you have a bird that’s in trouble just phone
us. The weekend is the only time we have to catch up with work
around our own home so this means we don’t get to the Centre until
late afternoon. If you are driving past and see my vehicle at the
Centre that means we are there and you are welcome to call in and
have a look around.
Robyn, Robert and the Centre Team would like to wish everyone
a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.
Don’t forget to send us your bonus cheques at Christmas and keep an
eye on our web page and the web cams, you may see the next kiwi
chick hatch.
Robert & Robyn Webb |
Other Issues:
September 2008
August 2008
July 2008
June 2008
May 2008
April 2008
March 2008
February 2008
January 2008
December 2007
November 2007
October 2007
September 2007
August 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
April 2007
March 2007
February 2007
January 2007
December 2006
November 2006
October 2006
September 2006 |
