Counting dotterels

Forest and Bird, Issue 281, 1 August 1996, Page 9

Counting dotterels

FIVE YEARS AGO the first national census of New Zealand dotterel was carried out. Forest and Bird and Ornithological Society members helped DoC to walk the hundreds of kilometres of coastline where the birds are found. The grand total of birds recorded was 1,350. This year the national census will be repeated and will give us a real indication of the fortunes of this endemic bird. Five years of effort have gone into trying to reverse its decline. Has it been successful? A count will be made of nesting pairs during Labour weekend and another next March, when the birds are in their autumn flocks. Forest and Bird members from the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Auckland and Northland will be able to take part in the great count. DoC offices will organise walkers along their coastlines, and may provide training to ensure helpers are practised in recognising the species they may encounter. DoC is asking

Forest and Bird branches to get in touch with their local DoC office in September so plans can be made. The dotterel range is spreading south from East Cape — twenty-two birds, the biggest

number ever, were recorded from Lottin Point to Mahia last summer. With this increase in range, Forest and Bird members from Gisborne and Wairoa will be able to take part in the census for the first time.