My Account
The Omaha Shorebird Protection Trust is working with Auckland Council and Landcare Research to monitor a selection of bird nests to confirm the contribution cats are making to nest failure.
After the monitoring process, Council will reassess the best way to address the cat problem.
Trust spokesperson Ngaire Wallen says there is concern about both cats and dogs on the spit.
“Cats enter the bird sanctuary from time to time by walking around the ends of the predator-proof fence and they have been associated with bird loss,” she says.
“We are once again asking cat owners to microchip their animals, neuter them and keep them inside at night. In addition, cats should wear collars with bells and should not be left alone for extended periods of time.”
Wallen adds that cats that are fed a high-protein diet have a lower inclination to hunt.
She says the dog issue is more about the lack of enforcement, with only two summer wardens for the whole of Rodney and something like two dog wardens.
“Dogs are generally not roaming free but are deliberately taken into the bird sanctuary, which is in breach of Council by-laws.
“Birds will leave their nests and chicks exposed when they are disturbed by dogs and they can’t feed at the waterline or rest as they need to if dogs are around.
“Council is confirming whether recent bylaw updates mean instant fines now apply, in which case we will update signage accordingly.”
Wallen says dogs are not permitted past Walkway 2 at Omaha and protecting the birds relies on members of the public, both residents and visitors, respecting the bird sanctuary for the unique place that it is.
Omaha is an internationally significant site for shorebirds, including the threatened New Zealand dotterel and the variable oystercatcher, which both nest on the spit.
To learn more about the sanctuary and its importance to the birds, go to: www.omahashorebirds.co.nz
