BLACK-BILLED GULLS NOW NESTING

Rotorua Morning Post, Issue 5292, 3 January 1947, Page 6

BLACK-BILLED GULLS NOW NESTING

Lakefront Should Be Made Sanctuary For Them The black-billed gulls (Larus bulleri), which for many years have nested on the islets and reefs at the approaches to Sulphur Bay, Lake Rotorua, have quite recently set up a colony on the extreme point of the rocky peninsula, immediately behind the Ward Baths, and about 150 yards across the water from that institution, writes "Bird Lover." Approximately 200 incubating gulls are gathered there. Now this species invariably commences to lay early in November, he continues, and, as the birds were busy carrying building material to the new site a week or so ago, it would appear that they have been molested in their former breeding grounds, and have moved to their present locale for sanctuary. The black-billed gull is a "territorial" bird, and will not forsake its customary breeding-place without great provocation. Molestation by thoughtless persons, or wilful vandalism, has in all probability been the cause of this exodus. • On several occasions recently, kuman intruders have been observed wandering aboOt the area and causing great cc-nsternation among the colonists in their latest habitat. The nesting* gulls are proving a great attraction for visitors, and should be regarded as an asset to the town. In view of this fact> it would be a fine idea if the "powers-that-be" declare this locality a sanctuary for the dui'ation of the nesting period, so that thoughtless individuals, and especially vandals, would be restrained from molesting these lovely little birds. All that would be neee'ssary would be a strand of wire across the narrow isthmus with the customary notice of trespass, erected thereon. The -red-billed gull .(Larus novaehollandiae), which visits Rotorua in the winter months, repaii*s to the sea eoast to breed. This species is shorter and more' stockily-built than Buller's gull, and may be distinguished by its crimson bill and legs. The range of this bird extends to Australia and New Caledonia. The black-billed gull is an inland species, and is a dyed-in-the-wool New Zealander, not being found elsewhere. Let us then look after our own, and give to this colony the protection necessary to raise its youngsters in security.