Kiwi News June 2010

Hi all, this is the latest kiwi news from Bridget Evans, our Project Manager.

Ohope Scenic Reserve

All birds were 'pinged' this month.  As well as our other adult males, Bridget found another male near the Fairbrother Loop who now has a transmitter on and has been called Krishna.  Bridget thinks he is a lonely male but she is keeping an eye on him.

The Juvies are doing well.  Ohope is now in the central Fairbrother Loop Track. Hawea was caught for a transmitter change and a health check. He was a bit light at 1275gms, so has not progressed to the adult transmitter.  Whetu was caught and now has an adult transmitter on.  He weighed in at 1320gms and will be checked again in six months. Punga, Aotearoa and Toi are due health checks soon. 

Bridget released two new chicks this month, Rangireremoana and Wainui.  Rangi is from Omataroa and Wainui is from Wainui.  The were dedicated to all the Trappers and Volunteers who help the Trust.

It's now breeding season, and four males in Ohope have started to incubate.  Our first egg lift will be at the end of August.

This month has also seen Bridget conducting a Kiwi Survey in the Ohope Scenic Reserve.  Rough figures seem to indicate 26 male Kiwi, 15 of which are paired up.

Mokorua

3 of the 4 birds released here in February are still in the reserve.  Noti however is starting to move towards the southern boundary.  Koru has still not been found, but Bridget has not got a mortality signal on the transmitter either, so there is still hope. Oneone had his first health check and weighed in at 1070gms.

Razorback Ridge.

All birds were 'pinged' here.

Kohi Point

Ten kiwi are being monitored here and all have consistently 'pinged'.  Whiuwhiu had his transmitter changed for an adult one.  Awanui had an early health check, all good but Bridget had to change his transmitter band.  Moko had his first health check and weighed in at 1210gms.  Orini is due his first health check.

Wainui

Te Kooti is incubating, it's his first lot.  Rata is also incubating.  A young chick from Toes Twos called Hirimai was released into Wainui following a ceremony at the Marae at the end of Te Kooti Road.

Moutohora

Morena's transmitter was changed this month.  He was found in a burrow with a very big Awhi!  Motu's transmitter change and health check is due soon.

We are now all looking forward to egg lifts and a new season of kiwi chicks.