Strolling Kiwis.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 662, 16 January 1933, Page 6

Strolling Kiwis.

Nature Notes

By

James Drummond, F.L.S.. F.Z.S.

J£IWIS are plentiful at Deep-water Cove, Bay of Islands, reports Mr M. Cross, who has supplied the following notes on these qxiaint nocturnal birds: 44 We meet them on the paths at night, when we go about with torch or lantern. They stroll in pairs into our outdoor dining-room. It has only roof and floor, with large puriri and kohikohi trees growing from the ground through the roof, with a leafy bower of native trees for sides. Kiwis, attracted by the light, think that they are still in their native bush. “ My son found a kiwi's nest, with male and female bird, and one egg. He left them undisturbed. This is not an uncommon find here. “ Last year, the late Dr Rayner, visiting Deep-water Cove with Mr Peter Gardner, of Kamo, caught two kiwis that had come into our outdoor dining-room. They were quite tame and unafraid. They were carried to Mr White Wickham’s fishing bungalow and placed on the rockery there, and they had their photographs taken. Afterwards they strolled off together through the native bush without undue hurry. “ Five years ago, Lord and Lady Belper, with Lord Summeleyton, visiting here, caught a kiwi. They were going to petition the Government to allow them to take the bird to England. Lady Belper grew compassionate towards the kiwi because it whistled continuously for its mate in the stillness of the night. Next morning she released it from captivity.”