The kiwi nesting season has had a very successful and early start – mainly due to kiwi getting into good condition last autumn with the good rainfall then. 4 monitored nests have already produced 6 chicks with more on the way from other nesting dads.

The bad news is that dogs have killed 2 adult kiwi on the roadside at the Nook in recent weeks. One was a wild adult male and the other was our old friend “Jackie” who we have monitoring since she hatched 7 years ago. This is a reminder that uncontrolled dogs are the biggest threat to kiwi.

Monitored Birds Update:

·Lambert – At Taurikura Ridge, after already successfully hatching 2 chicks, Lambert’s transmitter is indicating that his activity is dropping and that he is looking to start another nest.

·Whitu –Has beaten Lambert to the drop and is already on his second nest.

·JR – At the southern end of Taurikura Ridge has finally had a successful nest on his 3rd attempt this year and has hatched 2 chicks.

·Waka and Charlotte – Are still hanging around the beach houses at Mckenzie Bay.

·Dallas – Is still nesting at the Hill’s property next to the Whangarei Heads school – he has just hatched his first chick according to the data stream from his transmitter and hopefully will have a second shorterly.

·Jackie’s mate Jackie’s Boy – Not only did this guy recently lose his mate to a dog he has given up on his nest at the Nook- bad news all round.

·Jen– Is still showing high activity in the area between Kerr Road and Kauri Mt road.

·Darwin – Is nesting at Lamb Road and chicks are due to hatch shorterly.

·Charlie – After being released in McLeod Bay back in August he has moved north to Craig Road and seems to have settled at the McNamara’s at this stage.

·Tiaki – This is the young kiwi released at Capey’s in conjunction with the Bream Head Conservation Trust. Tiaki is being monitored by BHCT and has moved up the steep slopes of Mt Lion.