Lambert’s 4th Chick of the Year

All the radio transmitter kiwi survived the flooding and slips of cyclone Wilma but a few must have got a bit of a scare and have moved away from their usual haunts in the last month or so. Some of the birds are more determined then others to hold their ground though.

• Dallas had his six monthly check recently and was in a burrow only a few meters from one of the big slips on the south face of Mt Manaia. He was 2140g in weight and in very good condition.

• Lambert – has finally finished his second nest, hatching 2 more chicks – the 2nd of this pair hatched about 20 days after the first (see photo) – he has now produced 7 chicks in 2 years!
• Xmas – had his annual transmitter change done.- he had moved from the horse paddock in McLeods to high up on the western side of Manaia after the flooding and slips. He was 2060g and in good condition.
• Darwin –had his six monthly biometrics check done. He is 2480g and fat after a good summer in the wetlands by Lamb Road . He doesn’t seem interested in finding a mate and doing the hard work of nesting.
• King – has come back on the radar after another stint on the coastal cliffs of Kauri Mt.

Overall the kiwi are in good condition and will be feeding up even more for the next breeding season. Below is a map of where the monitored birds are located. You can click on the map to enlarge it.