Publications Archive

In March 1956 and March 1958 members of OSNZ made bird censuses of lakes in the North Kaipara area from Pouto to west of Kaihu. The results are tabulated. Poor weather and shortage of trained observers may have caused low counts. There were few Mallard Duck (Anas platyrhynchos). Lack of habitat is suggested as the reason for low numbers of Pied Stilt (Himantopus leucocephalus) and Pukeko (Porhpyrio melanotus) but Bittern (Botaurus poiciloptilus) were relatively numerous. Whitefaced Heron (Ardea novaehollandiae) and Welcome Swallow (Hirundo neoxena) were not found.

In September 1978 a colony of about 30-35 pairs of South Georgian Diving Petrels (Pelecanoides georgicus) was identified breeding among the sand dunes at Sealers’ Bay, Codfish Island, New Zealand (46″46′ S, 167″39′ E). This may be the only surviving colony of this species in the Australasian region. It is of considerable interest, furthermore, in being the only colony situated on the Subtropical Convergence (all others are in colder waters) and in being the only one sympatric with P. urinatrix chathamensis (all others are sympatric with P. u. exsul).

The plumage stages and moult of the Black-fronted Tern (Sterna albostriata) of New Zealand are described, largely from field observations, and measurements are given. The Black-fronted Tern is compared with the Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida) with the conclusion that they are not closely related. The characters of S. albostriata are those of Sterna rather than Chlidonias. The possibility of relationship with the Antarctic Tern (S. vittata) and the Kerguelen Tern (S. virgata) is revived and discussed.

To The Editor (Notornis), 28 April 1980

During 1978, 4,350 kilometres of coast were patrolled by 195 members of the Ornithological Society of New Zealand and their friends. 15,605 dead seabirds were found. There was a major wreck of Sooty Shearwaters (Puffinus griseus) in November and December. In late August and September there was a wreck of Antarctic fulmars (Fulmarus glacialoides) and Antarctic petrels (Thalassoica antarctica). Localised wrecks caused high annual totals of Fairy prions (Pachyptila turtur), Fleshfooted shearwaters (Puffinus carneipes), Buller’s shearwaters (P. bulleri), Fluttering shearwaters (P. gavia) and Diving petrels (Pelecanoides urinatrix). This is the third year that specimens of Soft-plumaged petrel (Pterodroma mollis) and Wedge-tailed shearwater (Puffinus pacificus) have been found; the second year for Black-fronted tern (Chlidonias albostriatus) and Little Tern (Sterna albifrons). A new record on the New Zealand mainland for Rockhopper penguin (Eudyptes crestatus = chrysocome) and Leach’s Fork-tailed storm petrel (Oceanodroma leucorhoa) is a new record for beach patrolling.