First banding of kokakao chicks: Waitakere Ranges
The first kokako chicks of the season have been banded in the Waitakere Ranges as part of Forest and Bird's conservation project Ark in the Park.
Kokako were first reintroduced to the Ark in the Park in 2009.
The population has grown to about 50 birds after hours of painstaking pest control work by volunteers.
The nests of five pairs are being monitored and protected.
The Waitakere Ranges are closed to the public to foil the spread of Kauri Dieback disease.
Resulting strict measures in place for volunteer trappers has complicated trapping efforts, a Forest and Bird spokesperson said.
One of the five nests has already been attacked by rats with the eggs eaten.
Trapping or bait stations set by Forest and Bird volunteers are used to control predators in the park.
Six hundred traps and 4785 bait stations are set to protect native birds, lizards and insects from rats, stoats and possums.
Some Choice News!
Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.
Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.
Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?
Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!
The gift of giving …?
The author of “The Gift of the Magi” is O. Henry, a pseudonym for William Sydney Porter.
“The Gift of the Magi” is a poignant short story about a young couple, Jim and Della, who are deeply in love but financially struggling. With Christmas approaching and limited money, each decides to sacrifice their most prized possession to buy a meaningful gift for the other. Della sells her beautiful long hair to buy a platinum chain for Jim’s watch, while Jim sells his grandfather’s watch to buy a set of combs for Della’s hair. In the end, their love and sacrifice underscore the true spirit of giving during the holiday season.
🤔
I would say the story underscores the stupidity of Xmas gifts … after all, it is not YOUR birthday, so how about donating something to good causes and otherwise enjoying being together?
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