White Herons In South Westland.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19267, 2 January 1931, Page 9

White Herons In South Westland.

Nature Notes.

By

James Drummond,

F.L.S., F.Z.S.

THE FIRST nesting-place of the white heron discovered in New Zealand was on the banks of the Waitangituna River, near Okarito, South Westland. The Okarito Lagoon is this lovely bird’s only nestingplace in the Dominion at present. Its home there was discovered by a surveyor, Mr Moeller, sixty years ago. The nests were a few miles from the sea, in trees overhanging the water. The white herons, which are carefully protected by residents, are one of Okarito’s greatest attractions. The latest report on them is by Mr A. J. Chinn, of Hokitika, who some weeks ago was fortunate to see them. “ I was down on the Wataroa River flat angling for trout, and saw the most unusual sight of two white herons,” he writes. “ They stood on the opposite side of the stream, and watched me fishing for quite a while. Their curiosity seemed battling with their shyness, as they would not leave the vicinity, nor would they let me get within less than fifty yards of them. *•* They often took to flight during the few hours I 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. “ I 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, but seldom two or more together. Perhaps these were building somewhere.”