From Nature’s Book

Hokitika Guardian, 9 July 1921, Page 1

From Nature’s Book

(By J. Drummond, F.L.S., F.Z.S., in

the “Lyttelton Times.”)

Very interesting notes on bird life in a. particularly interesting district, the Otira. Gorge, have been sent by Dr D. A. Bathgate. He begins bis letter by noting with regret the march of many native species of birds towards extinction. “Many of the reasons advanced for their disappearance in other parts,” he continues, “cannot lie considered feasible in Westland, where there are hundreds of miles of dense native forests untouched. This should form a sufficient sanctuary for the preservation, and the increase in number, of our birds. The conditions here, over quite a large area, are, l suppose, as they were centuries ago. One is tempted to advance as a theory to account for the disappearance of our native birds what is a. weighty factor in the disappearance of our native race, that is, the introduction of new infectious diseases by an alien race, diseases against which the invaders have acquired a comparative immunity, but which are deadly scourges to tTio unfortunate natives. Amongst them, for example, are tuberculosis and measles in the case of the Maoris. Might not the same conditions hold good in relation to our bird life? Birds, like men, are mortal, and death comes to them in varied form, many, no doubt, succumbing to the ravages of diseases introduced by alien species. As an example, locally, up to about eight years ago Maori liens and wekas were very plentiful here, l am told. They came right in among the houses and wero a very common sight. One year something seemed to hav* gone wrong with them. The individuals seen looked miserable, and their feathers were standing up on end. The next year they had all disappeared, victims. I have no doubt, to some epidemic disease. Since then none has been seen round about here.

“Bellbirds seem to be bolding their own, as they are doing almost all over the South Island. They favour particularly the upper mountain forest slopes, and make the bush ring with the wild music of their song. I uis are very rare ; 1 have seen only one pail in a twelve-month. Grey warhUrs, tomtits and fantails, black and pied, are present in moderate numbers. High up near the scrub lino one can always see the tiny rifleman, and odd flocks of white-eyes. Upon the hilltops may lie seen that most modest of birds, the ground lark. Bush canaries, or yellowheads, are scarce. Kiwis still may be heard on occasions at dusk, hilt very rarely. Parakeets • are non-existent. Ivakas appear lor a lew days, make a lot of noise, then disappear again. Ai certain limes of the year pigeons are very plentiful, hut prove rather too tempting lor many ‘sportsmen to have alone. There are always some to lie seen whenever one goes for a tramp. One of the most noticeable birds here is’the kea. Almost everyday koas may be beard tittering their shrill diseornant call as they "iug their heavy flight high up in the air, Iroiii side to side of the Gorge. At limes they come right down the riverbed and may lie trapped easily by the aid of call birds. They make very handsome and amusing pets; they spend a great deal of their lime throwing their water dislr aronng and digging holes in the ground. I haw one in captivity. It is quite a good pet. Its favourite dish is raw carrots, but il is also very loud ol a good fat mutton chop. Its period ol greatest activity is just before dawn, when it utters a succession of piercing erics which serve to wake up the household.

"On the riverbed and up the creeks one mav see shags, seagulls and paiadise ducks, and blue ducks. The latter seem to he largely nocturnal. Moreporks are plentiful and may he seen on any moonlight’ night. Both. the long-tailed cuckoo and the shilling cuckoo appeared here in November and left in February. They seemed to he somewhat plentiful. Although rathoi outside, this list I may say that about a year ago 1 was fort unale enough to see a pair of New Zealand hats 11.\ iug about at dusk. I have not seen any sinew.” Dr Bathgate, in conclusion, suggest.es that a New Zealand Bird and Forest. Protection Society should he formed, as the need for it is very urgent.