NATIVE BIRDS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 12 June 1928, Page 8

NATIVE BIRDS.

NOT YET VANISHING; t ’ PROTECTION ESSENTIAL. "Lot no* one think that our heritage in the native birds is passing from us. The protection of all these is more than a pleasure, it is a solemn duty, which should be shared alike by all,’’ writes Ranger T. Andrews, in the annual report of the Wellington Acclimatisation Society. "The native pigeon, is undoubtedly increasing in numbers; fairly large flights can bo seen in the more favoured valleys. Kakas are new seldom seen, the brilliant parakeet is only seen at long intervals, the makomuko is holding its own, and the beautiful little f'anitails are found everywhere. This is the most captivating of all the native fauna. The tui still fills the air with melody in certain places. Tomtits can be seen in most places about the bush line, favouring new ‘burns in particular. The grey warbler and the wren are not uncommon, but the saddleback, with the exception of some in the Tararuae, behind Tokomaru and Mangahao, is very scarce. The wcka seems to be nearly extinct in the Tararuas, ami the same applies to the kiwi, but eggs of the latter have been found in a range beyond Taihape. One of these is now on view at the society’s office. Local rabbit trappers report the* presence of a number of these interesting birds. The native* ground lark is plentiful throughout our district, and both the long-tailed, and the shining cuckoo can be seen and heard in their season. "The pied stilt is to be seen anywhere on the Mainawatu river from Palmerston North to Fox ton, especially favouring the riverbed about Karere, and during the past year has been plentiful in, the Wadrarapa district also. Pukeko, under protection, increased rapidly, and are to been in their hundreds in the swamp country at Tokomaru and Linton. The open season of fourteen days cliff not many any' appreciable difference as to numbers. Banded clottrrell can bo seen jn fair numbers throughout our district. Grey duck is still .numerous on our largo lakes, both in tho Manawatu and Ramgitdkei areas. The sanctuaries are covered with birds, but as large tracts of swamp land are ■being 'drained and the feeding area contracts year by year, so the duck will surely depart. Bittern can bo frequently seen in the swamp country, but aro not numerous. Blue cranes are scarce, but one pair can usually be seen on the rocks near Petone; a second pair has its home in Porirun harbour; a third pair is homing between Pukerua and Paekakariki. Kingfishers are fairly numerous throughout our district.’’