Environment – The cutest chocolate ducks for Easter

Last year, the Shakespear Open Sanctuary Society (SOSSI) made a formal submission in support of the proposed two-year closure under Section 186A of the Fisheries Act to prohibit the harvest of all invertebrate and seaweed species from the intertidal zone on the east coast of Auckland, including Okoromai Bay and Army Bay. Central Government has agreed to this, and it came into effect on March 12. This closure will help regenerate shellfish and give other marine life a vital chance to recover from years of depletion and environmental pressure. Healthy coastlines and thriving marine life are a key part in the conservation of the natural and other values of Shakespear. 

Each year, February sees the celebration of wetlands and their ecological values, all over the world. At national level, we have lost more than 90 per cent  of such habitat, so any remaining areas are precious, including our own Okoromai wetland inside Shakespear Regional Park. It lies outside the predator-proof fence but is no less important, so it is protected by predator trapping.  

Okoromai wetland is a very cool spot for birdwatching. Just drive along, turning your car into a moveable bird hide. Because I have limited mobility, and cannot walk very far, nor off-track, it is one of the best birdwatching and connecting-with-nature locations for me. The more visible species include pūkeko, rakiraki/mallard, kuruwhengi/Australasian shoveller pūtangitangi/paradise shelduck and poaka/pied stilt, while pūweto/spotless crake and moho pererū/banded rail are more elusive, but definitely worth the wait.

My favourite, however, is the pāteke/brown teal. They are only about half the size of the ubiquitous mallard and they are endemic, which means they do not live in any other country. Pāteke were once widespread throughout New Zealand, but because of predation (mainly from ferrets, stoats and feral cats), habitat loss and other disturbances there are only a few thousand left, making them one of the world’s most endangered ducks. Their strongholds include the northern part of the North Island, and we are fortunate to have them here.

Their behaviour is a bit different from that of other dabbling ducks, as during the breeding season the couple fiercely defend their territory. Moreover, in strong contrast to male mallards, which pretty much leave all the incubating and upbringing to the females, a pāteke dad stays involved, nurturing the ducklings together with the mum.

During the breeding season they are hard to spot, but this time of the year they are less elusive and more often in the open. In fall and winter both sexes are an exquisite glowing brown colour, with the cutest white ring around their eyes – almost like perfect chocolate ducks, right in time for Easter. Info: www.sossi.org.nz