Flooding destroys hopes for boost in North Canterbury black-billed gull population
Heavy rain and flooding has ended the nesting season for a new colony of the world's most threatened gull in North Canterbury.
About 2500 black-billed gulls, the largest colony seen on the Ashley/Rakahiuri River for nearly two decades, had been nesting in the middle of the braided river just below the State Highway 1 bridge.
Rivercare Group chairman Nick Ledgard says more flooding last weekend proved too much for the colony. The water level became high enough to wash over all of the birds' nests and eggs. Not one gull remained at the site the following day.
Film Screening Fundraiser
Join us for this fundraising film screening.
Plot: In this road movie, a father and son travel amid wedding preparations in the lead-up to Christmas in Nazareth.
A 2017 Palestinian drama film, it's directed, as well as written by, Annemarie Jacir. It was screened in the Contemporary World Cinema section at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival. It was selected as the Palestinian entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 90th Academy Awards.
Wajib won 36 international awards including Best Film in Mar Del Plata, Dubai, Amiens, DC Film Festival, Kerala and the London BFI Festival.
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
It’s Riddle Time! Beat the Neighbourhood with Your Smarts!
Which of the following words don't belong in the group and why?
CORSET, COSTER, SECTOR, ESCORT, COURTS
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