Ten black robins alive

Press, 19 October 1982, Page 38

Ten black robins alive

PA Wellington Two rare Chatham Islands black robins died during the winter, leaving 10 alive and well, according to Wildlife Service officers who have arrived in the islands to begin the season’s breeding programme. The loss of two birds was considered a “relatively low toll considering the harsh Chatham Islands weather,” and the Wildlife Service was confident of a successful breeding season, said the assistant director, Mr Brian Bell.

Among the surviving black robins is “Blue.” a 15-year-old female which is said to have amazed wildlife staff with her efforts to increase robin numbers. “She had already started nest building and the first clutch of eggs is expected within the next few days,” Mr Bell said. The eggs will then be transferred to the nests of grey warblers and Chatham Island tits, encouraging the black robins to produce a second clutch. Wildlife officers were

“shattered" to find that their two base camps on Mangere and South-East Island had been looted during the winter. More than $5OO worth of food, fuel, and other equipment has been taken. “Fortunately, the officers took additional supplies to the islands, where they will be working until Christmas," Mr Bell said. “It seems that the criminal element has finally caught up with the islands. We feel quite let down by the indicent.”