Environment – Wrap up and walk

On a recent calm morning I was checking a rat-trap line on the shore near Stillwater and came across a pair of brown teal in a quiet corner. This may sound commonplace, but until recently it would have been unheard of.

Brown teal are New Zealand’s rarest waterfowl but on the Hibiscus Coast they breed on the protected island Tiritiri Matangi and at Shakespear Open Sanctuary. So finding a pair at Stillwater is perhaps not so surprising, and pest control by Stillwater locals is sure to be helping the teal survive there.

We are fortunate on the Hibiscus Coast to have wonderful reserves and walking tracks, and with the efforts of local groups wildlife numbers are improving, unlike much of the country where the trend is downhill. Tiri and Shakespear Park lead the way, being pest-free and home to many rare birds and other wildlife. This, alongside community pest control, will allow some of these birds to move into our neighbourhood parks and gardens.

If you haven’t visited Shakespear Park recently then a walk up Waterfall Gully will show you birds such as the saddleback – once confined to the Hen and Chicken Islands – and the North Island robin. And right now the glowworms at the waterfall itself are looking great, if you feel like getting out after dark. Another night walk option is The Lookout, where you may be lucky enough to hear little spotted kiwis calling.

Te Ara Tahuna, the Orewa Estuary Walkway, is a great walk or cycle for the family. Many wading birds also make the estuary their home and often you’ll see flocks of godwits or oystercatchers on the sand islands just before high tide. Forest and Bird pest control has allowed other rare and shy birds to make a comeback – banded rails have increased in number and spotless crakes are being seen for the first time on the estuary.

Many of our reserves and walks are maintained with the help of volunteers. As you walk think of the people who built or raked the path, weeded unwanted plants from the bush or planted thousands of trees to expand the original forest. It’s a labour of love of which we all get to enjoy the fruits.

With the short cold days of winter on us it’s easy to spend too much time indoors so stretch the legs, refresh the spirit, and make use of the great outdoors right on our doorstep.