Things are still ticking over nicely for the new year. The two monitored Whangarei Heads kiwi’s that are on their second nests have hatched chicks. The damp conditions are great for new chicks and recovering dads – with plenty of easy pickings of bugs and grubs about.

In December, we had planned a serious search for kiwi to transfer from Limestone Island (James Fraser and Natasha Coad were up with their kiwi dogs) but the wind and rain severely limited opportunities. We had one day there, but didn’t come up with any of our chicks. Hopefully we will get another opportunity in the next month or so.

What the monitored birds were up to as of December:

· JR –completed nesting.

· Dallas – has finished nesting now – he hatched 1 chick – who has been named “Dallson” by the Hill’s Grand daughters. This was the first breeding effort by Dallas who was released back in 2009 as a 1 year old.· Jackies Boy – has settled back down in his usual area at the Kings.

· Jen – no sign of nesting

· Darwin – has moved back to the pampas at the Lamb road quarry.

· Charlie – has settled north of Mcleods.

· Lambert- transmitter shows recent hatch – now monitoring activity for possible 2nd chick.

· Whitu- hatched 1 chick for Christmas – see photo. The second egg was infertile.

· Waka and Charlotte- ok activity still high