‘Thoughtless’ kayaker wanders through nest site

 

 

Opinions will always be divided on the viability of keeping vigil over a small number of endangered birds, but surely a roped-off area is evidence enough to suggest ‘please don’t go there.’

One kayaker on the Waipu river recently was either unable to see or was a law unto themselves as, judging by the picture, dragged their kayak not just through a protected area to the beach, but dragged it back from the beach through the protected area a second time.

River watchers Susan Steedman and Robyn Davies put the fence up about a month ago as one fairy tern pair had laid two eggs there.

“I could see from estuary side that there was an existing track that people walked through to get to the beach so I put in two DOC bird nesting signs, as well as three around the front by the ocean,” says Robyn Davies.

Before the last king tide DOC sandbagged to protect the nest, and it did the job well. Unfortunately about 10 days later the nest at this site was lost.

“The kayak tracks go right through where the nest was,” Mrs Davies added. “The fencing stayed up as there was a variable oystercatcher nest there, and the chicks had just hatched. It’s just so annoying anyone could be so thoughtless.”

Visitors need to remember the area is a bird reserve and it is illegal to cause any wildlife to leave. As there are trial cameras around maybe something might show up on film.

SERIOUSLY?: Signs a kayak has been dragged across the nest site boundary tape. A warning sign is clearly visible top centre.