Publications Archive

Letter to the Editor, 15 June 1979

Between 24 and 27 March 1978, 61 members of the Ornithological Society of New Zealand counted birds on and near Kaipara Harbour. Results are listed and tabulated. The northward migration of Arctic waders is noted. Unusual birds recorded for this area were Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola), Large Sand Dotterel (Charabrius leschenaulti), Black Stilt (Himantopus novaezealandiae), Black-fronted Tern (Chlidonias albostriatus), and Fairy Tern (Sterna nereis).

The breeding biology of the Paradise Shelduck (Tadorna variegata) was studied on hill-country farmland west of Tokomaru Bay, New Zealand, during 1973-1976. Throughout the breeding season the shelduck population comprised territorial pairs, which occupied areas of pasture surrounding stock ponds or other water bodies, and flocks, which were mostly of juveniles and which remained at specific sites on river terraces or hillsides. Breeding was attempted only by the territorial pairs. Prospecting for nest sites started in late June and 62% of 47 nests found were in hollow logs on the ground’. Laying began in August and the mean size of 36 clutches was 9.4. Of 282 eggs, 5% were infertile and 87% of the fertile eggs hatched. Only 20% of the pairs which lost their clutches re-nested. Ducklings were reared on stock ponds, in streams or rivers, and in swampy soaks on hillsides. About 60% of the ducklings reaching the rearing areas survived the 8-week fledging period. The main causes of duckling mortality were bad weather and predation by feral cats. During their first week, ducklings fed mostly on aquatic insects, and thereafter on plant material. Of 67 ducklings which fledged, 54.7% were males, and, after fledging, males dispersed more widely than females.

Letter to the Editor, 25 April 1979

The history of ornithological activity in the Hunua Ranges, south-east of Auckland, is outlined. An account is given of both native and introduced birds from 1888 to 1978.