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May 2007
Did you know that water troughs, wire and cattle stops
claim the lives of quite a few birds each year? Why are we telling
you this? Because…
…two weeks ago we received an adult female kiwi with a wounded leg.
I hadn’t seen a kiwi with a pink leg, until then. The wound was bad;
her leg was swollen pink, making it difficult to walk. The land
owner (who found our feathered friend) informed us that a fencing
contractor had been working in the area and had left rolls of barbed
wire lying around. The wound indicated that she had been caught in
barbed wire. Surplus barbed wire should be disposed of once removed
from a fence. Not only do kiwi get themselves mangled in the
abandoned wire clumps; other birds have also met their demise this
way.
Another unfortunate problem that occurs is birds drowning in
troughs. About three years ago when we experienced a really hot
summer, four hawks were found in troughs. During such weather, when
water is hard to find many birds will look for alternative sources
like water troughs on farms. A good way to stop birds from drowning
is to place a piece of rough sawn timber (150mmx25mm) on the edge of
the trough so it just about reaches the other side. It can be held
in place by a piece of No.8 wire. This mechanism will move with the
water level. As the water goes down so will the timber. It will
enable birds to get out if they fall in and it prevents stock from
drinking contaminated water.
We believe that the loss of one bird, is one too many, so hopefully
you can use this tip to save a few birds.
Pest control
With the Centre being surrounded by farmland and native bush, every
six months we set poison baits to reduce the rodent population. With
some of our predator birds being native, we can’t run the risk of
poisoned rodents getting in the pens or cages. This the main reason
for using RACUMIN PASTE. Birds such as hawks will not turn their
‘beaks’ up at a mouse meal, which could result in secondary
poisoning. This occurs when a poisoned rodent is eaten by a
non-target species. However, because of the way RACUMIN PASTE works
there is almost a nil chance of this happening. Bayer New Zealand
Ltd (the company that manufactures the paste) has carried out
extensive research to ensure it is a safe product to use. The poison
normally takes about two days to get rid of the pests and we haven’t
had any complaints from the birds, so we gather it is a good
product. If you would like to try RACUMIN PASTE for your rodent
problems contact Northland Seed & Supplies (1997) Ltd, 8a Okara
Drive, Whangarei. It is really good to use around the chook runs.
Weekends at the Centre
The weekends are the only chance Robyn and I get to catch up with
work at home. However, we do go into the Centre normally arriving
around 4.30pm. If people do come, we are open and we welcome
visitors to the Centre. However, we have found that a quiet weekend
does give the birds a little chance to take a break.
Centre address
We are still receiving calls from the public about mail being
returned. This is our correct address:-
PO.Box 10187
Te-Mai Post Centre
Whangarei 0143.
If you write it like this we will receive it. Mind you, if it’s a
bill just write ‘somewhere in Maunu’, that way we will save funds.
Also, remember to keep a close eye on our website
www.whangareinativebirdrecovery.co.nz, for up to date views on
some of the birds.
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 |
