Meri Kirihimete! Merry Christmas and Seasons Greetings!
Our Tutukaka Kiwi are all keeping us on our toes with four more Kiwi gals to keep an eye on and Harry playing Houdini – here is an update on our growing population:
Kokiri. Still residing behind Matapouri bay, but has moved round to the south west a little. Probably a good thing over the summer madness period.
Prudence and Sarah remain in the vicinity of the their release site at Tawapou. though do move about somewhat. I suspect the wetland area will keep them close over these dry months.
Marohi firmly settled in the Tutukaka pine forest no more that 500 m from the Quarry/ forest gate. Not sitting on an egg. His partner has given him some time off parenting duties.
Harry. Well,what can I say! Prince Harry, or Houdini Harry. He certainly gave us a run around. We were scheduled to catch him and do a tx change, and on the occasion, provide a film crew from Foundation North a chance to witness the event. We had pinpointed his position on a steep bank covered in Pampas and pine slash. The perfect cover for a kiwi, but as it proved to be, impossible for the “experts” to trap and safely catch him. We would surround his position and Harry would quietly move away from the surrounding people net. Frustrating, but not life threatening.
Kiora. Has now turned away from the coast and is heading inland. A much safer location with extensive bush and wetlands.
Pikiake, Also moving westward following her recent release.