NATIVE BIRDS INCREASING.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3847, 20 September 1928, Page 3

NATIVE BIRDS INCREASING.

Native birds are increasing on Little Barrier Island, In the course of his expedition through the heavy bush of the gullies which lead to the mountains on the island, tfie caretaker (Mr. Nelson) has noticed increasing numbei'S of young birds, especially bellbirds, tuis, and stitchbirds. He has also observed a large supply of natural bird food (says the “Auckland Star”). “I am very pleased to report about the increase in stitch-lards,” Mr. Nelson states. “I have come across them several times in small numbers, both in the gullies and on the ridges. On one occasion I counted fourteen stitch-birds, which is very satisfactory.” The native robin is an easy prey for the wild cats, but I am glad to find that the birds are increasing. In the bush, wherever one rests, one sees them in twos and threes. The kiwis have been much in evidence near the house since March last. Whenever darkness sets in we hear them calling to one another in different parts of the bush.” Yellow-fronted parrakeets are still very rare, but Mr. Nelson has recently seen two of them. The red-fronted species are plentiful and tame, and they come very close to the house. “I have seen the white kiwi once during the year,” states the caretaker. “It was very active and in good condition. During the prolonged dry spell last summer I put out receptacles filled with water for the birds which live near the flat, and the house, and they took full advantage of it. We heard the kiwis at night quite, near. Although our tanks were empty we had a spring of pure water on the beach.”