NATIVE BIRDS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3841, 6 September 1928, Page 2

NATIVE BIRDS.

PIGEONS INCREASING. The Native pigeon is undoubtedly increasing in numbers; fairly large flights can be seen in the more favoured \ r alleys. Ivakas are noAV seldom seen, the brilliant parakeet is only seen at long intervals, the makomako is holding its own, and the beautiful little fantails are found everywhere. This is the most captivating of aIR the Native fauna. The tui still fills the air with melody in certain places. Tomtits can be seen in most places about the bush line, favouring neAV burns in particular. The greywarbler and the Avren are not uncommon, but the saddleback, with the exception of some in the Tararuas, behind Tokomaru and Mangahao, is A 7 eiy scarce. The Aveka seems to be nearly extinct in the v Tararuas, and the same applies to the kiAvi, but eggs of the latter have been found in a range beyond Taihape. One of these is now on view at the Society’s office. Local rabbit trappers report the presence of a number of these interesting birds. The Native ground lark is plentiful throughout our district, and both the long-tailed, and the shining cuckoo can be seen and heard in their season. Tre pied stilt is to be seen anywhere on the ManaAvatu River from Palmerston North to Foxton, especially favouring the river-bed about Karere, and during the past year has been plentiful in the Wairarapa district also. Pukeko, under protection, increased rapidly, and are to be seen in their hundreds in the SAA’amp country at Tokomaru and Linton. The open season of fourteen days did not make any appreciable difference as to numbers. Banded dottrell can be seen in fair numbers throughout our district. Bittern can .be frequently seen in the SAvamp country, but are not numerous. Blue iCranes are scarce, but one pair-can usually be seen on the rocks near Petone; a second pair has its home in Porirua Harbour; a third pair is homing between Pukerua and Paekakariki. Kingfishers are fairly numerous throughout our district.