THE WHITE HERON

Hokitika Guardian, 13 December 1930, Page 6

THE WHITE HERON

IN WESTLAND. (By J. DRUMMOND). It is interesting to know that the first nesting place of the white heron discovered in New Zealand was on the banks of the Waitangituna Rive:', near Okarito, South Westland, and that the Okarito Lagoon is this lovely lord’s only nesting place in the Domriiio.i at present. Its home there was discovered by a surveyor, Mr Meller, 60 years ago. The nests were a few miles from the sea, in trees overhanging the water. r l he white herons, which are carefully p"> tc-cted by residents, are one of Okanto’s greatest attractions.

I'li, latest report on them is by Mr A J Chinn, of Hokitika, who seme wicks ago was fortunate t ) them. He writes: “I was down on the Wataroa River flat angling for rrout, and saw the most unusual sight, even down here, of two white herons. They stood on the opposite side of the stream, and watched me fishing for quite a while, j Their curiosity seemed battling with their shyness, as they would not leave the vicinity, nor would they let me get within 50 yards of them. They often took to flight dul'ing the few hours T was there, flying around in large circles with slow, soft strokes of their wings, keeping one eye on me all the time. They fly like the bittern, but with more power, and seem capable of quicker movements in the air. 1 did not look for a nest in the vicinity, as it was a barren spot, and, from what I understand, the birds build in trees at a fair height. It is not.often that two are seen together, except in rookeries, which are rare. I have often seen one here and there, hut seldom two or more together. Perhaps these were building somewhere. Bitterns also seem solitary birds, two or more being seldom seen within short distances.”