Publications Archive

A colony of North Island wekas (Gallirallus australis greyi) has been successfully established at Rawhiti, Bay of Islands, as a result of five liberations in the summers of 1966–1971. This account is written mainly to help other amateurs who may consider obtaining wekas from the Wildlife Service and trying to establish colonies elsewhere. The number of birds required is discussed as well as details concerning the construction of the cage, time in the cage, and feeding. The account describes the effect of predators on the birds and the effect of wekas on other wildlife and the neighbours. It includes a map of the area illustrating a weka count in the Rawhiti area during January 1976. Most of the wekas counted at that time were bred in the area.

During 1974, 2909 kilometres of coast were patrolled by 147 members of the Ornithological Society of New Zealand and their friends. The 24,747 dead seabirds found is a record. Two large wrecks contributed to this total. During April and May some 3,500 blue penguins (Eudyptula minor) came ashore on both sides of Northland. During June and July more than 13,000 prions (Pachyptila spp) came ashore along the whole of the west coast of New Zealand. Both these wrecks were apparently caused by starvation following periods of adverse weather. Other minor, localised, wrecks are recorded. Unusual finds were one soft-plumaged petrel (Pterodroma mollis), one grey ternlet (Procelsterna cerulea albivitta), and two erect-crested penguins (Eudyptes pachyrhynchus sclateri).

The breeding cycle and breeding range of Puffinus huttoni in the Seaward Kaikoura mountains are described. Measurements and characteristics of adult birds, their chicks and eggs at the breeding colonies are recorded. The effects of weather, moon phase, and snow on breeding and navigation are noted. Information about mortality and predation is given. Observations of P. huttoni near the New Zealand sea coast are outlined, and some historical background is presented.