Bird Sightings Update
I wanted to share some exciting news about bird activity in Hamilton’s gullies that got me reflecting on our own efforts here in Tamahere. There has been a noticeable increase in native bird sightings around Hamilton, particularly in areas where native planting and pest control have been a focus. This is really encouraging and underscores the importance of our ongoing work.
Aimee Nooyen, Hamilton City Council’s Community Restoration Advisor, recently provided an update on bellbirds/korimako in Sandford Park, which includes a walkway through the Mangakotukutuku Gully in Glenview. The Mangakotukutuku Gully group and other dedicated volunteers have been very active in gully restoration efforts in Sandford Park for a while now. If you haven’t explored this area yet, it’s definitely worth a visit!
Last October, two bellbirds were spotted, though they didn’t stay long. This year, however, there have been more sightings across different parts of the gully, with a recent video even capturing four bellbirds in one spot. It’s a promising sign, but it also reminds us that these birds need a safe, pest-free environment and abundant food sources like tree fuchsia, kowhai, and flax to thrive.
In addition to the bellbirds, there’s been a rise in kererū sightings around Hamilton, including areas like AJ Seeley gully (another excellent conservation project close to Hamilton Boys’ High School), Mangakotukutuku gully, and even on power lines along Grandview Road in Nawton. Seeing more kererū is wonderful, but again it’s a reminder that if we want to welcome these birds back to nest in Tamahere, we’ll need to continue and possibly even ramp up our pest control efforts, along with ensuring our gullies are rich in native food sources.
If you’ve seen any kererū or bellbirds around Tamahere, please share your sightings on our Facebook page. It’s not just about tracking these birds—it’s about making sure our gullies are ready for their return!
Thanks to Aimee Nooyen and John Innes, Landcare Research, for sharing and keeping us updated.
