New nests for our most endangered bird

 

New Zealand’s most endangered bird, the New Zealand fairy tern or tara iti, received a boost to their upcoming breeding season with the creation of new manmade shell nesting sites in Mangawhai and Papakanui, north of Auckland.

Fairy terns typically build their nests on exposed, low-lying areas of shell-covered sand. These new nesting sites were made by transporting 50 tonnes of locally sourced shell into safe sites by NZ Defence Force helicopter last week, who used the operation as a training exercise.

The operation was funded by The Shorebirds Trust and supported by the Tara Iti Golf Club, NZ Defence Force, local iwi Ngati Whatua o Kaipara, Te Uri o Hau and Ngati Manuhiri.

“We created new shell nests for the birds last year and had success with one pair laying an egg. When you are talking small numbers of birds, one success, like using a safer nest to breed, is a huge step forward. Other than predator control, habitat enhancement is the most important action that can be taken to ensure the tara iti survival,” says Ayla Wiles, DOC biodiversity ranger.

“The new shell patch breeding sites have created safer places for the tara iti to nest on, protecting them from tidal inundation and sand blow,” she says. “In the past we’ve had nests impacted by high winds, which means the parent birds can’t find their eggs, and king tides washing the nests away.”

The new sites have been placed in the rear of the dunes, says Ayla, providing more protection for the chicks and their parents.

“Support for our most endangered bird by community groups and local hapu and iwi is essential for their survival. I would like to acknowledge the contribution of The Shorebirds Trust and those who partnered with them to get these new shell nests created, and the ongoing work of the recovery group.”

Tara iti are critically endangered. The total population is fewer than 40 birds.
 

Simple rules for bird safety  Tara iti used to nest on beaches right round the North Island coast and on the east coast of the South Island. Introduced predators – feral cats, rats, stoats, ferrets and weasels – habitat loss and human disturbance have brought them to the brink of extinction. Tara iti now have just four main nesting sites: Papakanui Spit, Pakiri Beach, Waipu and Mangawhai sandspits. To protect tara iti at their nesting sites: • stay out of taped off or fenced areas and use designated walkways • take a wide berth around nests and chicks • keep dogs on leads • remove bait and rubbish from the beach to deter rats and other predators. • drive vehicles below the high tide mark