Endangered dotterel family killed by cat, devastating Auckland volunteers
A photographer is distraught after the dotterel family she had been documenting was killed by a cat.
Michele Mackenzie, a resident of Snells Beach, has been posting updates on dotterel breeding pair Dott and Donald to her Facebook page since 2019.
Mackenzie, who has had a passion for birds since she was 4 years old, hoped giving the birds names and a narrative would raise awareness of the at-risk species.
Work by volunteers to protect Dott and Donald's nest was rewarded when on November 23, when Dott and Donald successfully hatched two chicks, which volunteers named the Dottettes.
But on Monday, Mackenzie was distraught to discover Donald and the Dottettes had been killed by a cat, leaving Dott alone and confused about her partner’s whereabouts.
See more on Stuff.
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
-
82.9% Yes
-
14.3% No
-
2.8% Other - I'll share below
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
-
4.7% Second half of November
-
43.4% 1st December
-
17.6% A week before Christmas
-
33.2% Whenever you wish
-
1.1% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.