Hibiscus Coast Garden Bird Survey April 2020 – what’s that bird?
While we are all at home in lockdown, now is a good time to stop and have a look at what birds are in our gardens. You might be surprised at what you find. It's a good activity to do whether you are alone or with your children - a fun activity for them to get involved with. It is also really useful for our Pest Free Hibiscus Coast Project monitoring, and to compare seasonally with the upcoming NZ Garden Bird Survey in June.
Everyone who takes part in the survey and sends us their results via the form below will be able to get one of our pet safe rat traps on long term loan from our Pest Free project, for their garden, delivered as soon as we are able.
You will need some knowledge of what different bird species look and sound like and now is a great time to learn. If you are uncertain, here are some useful online bird identification guides:
www.landcareresearch.co.nz...
www.nzbirdsonline.org.nz...
You will also need a pen or pencil and piece of paper to write down what you see. You can print out this tally sheet for your use, but don’t send it to us. bit.ly...
A pair of binoculars would also be useful if you have them, but are not necessary.
The instructions are simple:
1. Choose a time and day that suits you (ideally a fine day before end April)
2. Find a comfy seat (either inside looking out through a window, or outside on your deck or in the garden)
3. Look and listen for birds for ONE hour (making a note of the date and time you start)
4. For each species you observe, record the HIGHEST number you see or hear AT ONE TIME
Tip: if you see 2 blackbirds at one time, then later see 3 at one time, record this as 3 (the most seen at one time). Don't add them up otherwise you might be counting the same bird over and over again.
5. Once you've finished your survey please SEND YOUR RESULTS to us by clicking on this link and entering your results online.
bit.ly...
If you have any questions, please contact Jenny Hanwell, j.hanwell@forestandbird.org.nz
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!
Neighbourhood Challenge: Who Can Crack This One? ⛓️💥❔
What has a head but no brain?
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
You are never alone
This year, I was given news that took the wind right out of this solo mum’s stomach: I was diagnosed with two types of curable breast cancer. Even writing those words still feels surreal.
I’ve recently completed five rounds of radiation, and while that chapter has closed, my journey is far from over. I now take daily medication — which, if I’m honest, comes with its own wild rollercoaster of highs and lows — along with monthly injections and six-monthly IV infusions.
All of this while raising two incredible, energetic tween boys who are full of wonder, life, and light. They have been my anchors on the darkest days and my reason to keep putting one foot in front of the other.
I’m sharing this because, in the New Year, I want to create a support group for anyone walking this path — no matter where you are on your journey. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, in treatment, finished treatment, or supporting someone you love.
Let’s build a village.
A place to lean, to cry, to laugh, to talk openly, and to remind each other that none of us have to do this alone.
Because the story doesn’t end when they tell you you’re “in the clear.”
In many ways, it’s just the beginning. 🌻
If this story touches your heart, and you’re on this journey too, feel free to message me. Even a quiet “me too” is enough...
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