Sunday, March 15, 2015

254) Land of the Long White Cloud



Tui dispersing pollen from NZ flax flowers
My major academic conference was in New Zealand so December was an opportune time for us to return.  Post conferencing Nancy came down and we toured the sanctuary 'islands' (both literal and figurative) of the N. Island. Once populated with many amazing species, NZ has seen 25% of its native species go extinct and many more at on the edge. Although human impacts play a role, one of the biggest contributors are introduced species - rats, mice, stoats, Australian possums. As they attempt to slow the loss of birds, conservation-minded kiwis (that is, inhabitants of New Zealand) have taken to extreme measures (see "The Big Kill" http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/12/22/big-kill) and have miraculously created "pest free" islands off-shore and fenced sanctuaries on the mainland.


At Reinga Lighthouse

I headed to the far north point of the Northern Island while waiting for Nancy's arrival. Point Reinga is a wonderful place where spirits depart the land. The history of the area weighs heavy as the cleared fields attest to the  timber and Kauri Gum industries which the residents depended on.










Takahe

Whitehead







A number of NZ bird species went to the wire. Once thought extinct, a relict population of Takahe was"rediscovered" in 1948 high in the mountains at the extreme of their range.  At one point their population dropped to 118 birds - current estimates are about 250 adult birds. This is one of a breeding pair on Tiri-tiri Matangi, an amazing predator-free island just a 30 min ferry ride from Auckland. 
Kereru (New Zealand Pigeon)











The little Whiteheads (Popokotea) were a bit hard to spot sometimes, but they had cheerful little chirps and whistles and moved about in sociable flocks.





















The Kereru are big beautiful birds.  A bit clumsy, they often gave themselves away when thrashily flying through the forest and landing heavily on bendy boughs. 













Korimako (Bellbird)

The Korimako have a lovely clear bell-like song.  Like the Tui, they have a noisy whirring flight.  We would have loved to hear the songs of the forest when the New Zealand birds were plentiful--they have such beautiful songs. This is a bird on Tiri-tiri - note the banded legs for identifications)







Silvereye (pollen on forehead)
Silvereye are relative newcomers to New Zealand, they get around and about.  They're also present in Australia.  This one is feeding on flax flowers - thus the pollinated forehead!