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Bird enthusiasts and conservation-minded locals are invited to join an induction day to learn how they can contribute to the protection of Mangawhai’s critically endangered fairy terns.
Held in the stunning wilderness of Mangawhai’s distal spit by Department of Conservation (DoC) staff this Thursday September 11, the orientation day includes learning about About Tern, a volunteer group that supports DoC rangers in safeguarding the tara iti/fairy tern populations at Waipū and Mangawhai.
Besides being public advocates for the birds, the group’s 20 active members help out with trapping and predator control, weed management and habitat restoration on the spit, as well as observing and documenting nesting fairy terns’ behaviour.
Volunteers have also helped DoC and Auckland Zoo staff with the joint tara iti captive rearing programme at the Te Ārai aviary.
With recent DoC records showing there are fewer than 40 adult fairy terns and only 10 known breeding females remaining, the species is New Zealand’s most critically endangered bird.
The birds are starting to return from their winter hideouts in the Kaipara Harbour to the warmth of Mangawhai’s coastline for the spring/summer breeding season.
Fairy Tern Charitable Trust chair Heather Rogan says the safest place for people keen on a bit of bird-watching, without disturbing tara iti nesting areas, is the local pub.
“The best time and place to see them is at low tide on the estuary by the Mangawhai Tavern, as it’s a favourite place for them to dive for fish,” she says.
For more info about the induction day contact Dawne at dawne.sanson@xtra.co.nz
