It's the great kererū hunt - have you seen them in your neighbourhood?
Hawke's Bay residents are being asked to keep an eye out for any kererū swooping across their backyards as the Great Kererū Count takes flight across the country.
This year the count will run from September 22 to October 1. A partnership between WWF-New Zealand, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington City Council, and NatureWatch NZ, the project helps build up where the native pigeon can, and can't, be found.
In the 2014-16 Great Kererū Count there were 857 kererū counted in Hawke's Bay.
WWF-New Zealand's chief executive Livia Esterhazy said the count was vital not just for protecting the kererū, but for ensuring the health of forest ecosystems into the future.
"Large flocks of more than 100 kererū were once a common sight in skies over New Zealand – our ambition is to see them prolific again," she said.
Kererū were known as "gardeners of the skies", because they played a crucial role in dispersing seeds of native canopy trees such as tawa, taraire, and matai.
They were the only birds who did so, making them an essential part of forest regeneration.
Senior lecturer in ecology at Victoria University, Dr Stephen Hartley, said the project helped build up a detailed picture of where kererū were distributed across the country, what they were feeding on and where they were found in towns and cities.
"Over time, we hope to discover whether numbers are increasing or decreasing and whether populations are faring better or worse in some parts of the country compared to others.
"This year we are especially keen for people to seek out new locations, as well as returning to old haunts to make timed observations of between five and 30 minutes. Even if you don't see a kererū in this time – that's still useful information and important to submit."
This year, there are three options to make kererū observations – via www.greatkererucount.nz... www.naturewatch.org.nz... or with the iNaturalist App available on iTunes and Google Play.
Poll: How should Guy Fawkes be celebrated?
While it is a fun occasion, fireworks on Guy Fawkes Night has caused much conflict over the years, upsetting our pets and disrupting the sleep of neighbours.
How should we celebrate Guy Fawkes Night? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
-
28.7% With a city-wide public fireworks display
-
19.6% Small fireworks displays in each community
-
7.9% Keep it as is
-
33.2% We shouldn't celebrate it!
-
10.3% Anything but fireworks
-
0.4% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?
Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.
Brain Burn Alert! Today’s Riddle Will Make You Think Twice!
What is seen in the middle of March and April that can't be seen at the beginning or end of either month?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles 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.