Publications Archive

The adoption of Whero Island as a breeding station by the dimorphic Stewart Island shag over the last 20 years is described. A review of other known breeding stations of this subspecies suggests that breeding sites are subject to periods of nontenancy. The relatively few records of the Stewart Island shag indicate a distribution restricted to Foveaux Strait, and the Otago coast at Moeraki and near Dunedin. The total population is unlikely to exceed a few thousand birds.

This series attempts to condense observations made over seventeen years in areas being milled west of Taupo from 1944 to 1946 and in the south-west Urewera from 1946 to 1961. Daily counts were made of all birds seen and compiled into monthly charts. Estimates were made of birds heard only and notes kept of locality, weather and temperature, with sundry notes on song, calls, foods, breeding and behaviour. The files of charts are to be deposited in the library of the Ornithological Society of New Zealand Inc., Auckland Institute & Museum. For each species there is given an account of general observations and, where significant, a breakdown of figures from the monthly charts. Part A deals with bellbird and tui.

During 1973, 1701 miles of coast were patrolled by 104 members of the Ornithological Society of New Zealand and 6273 dead seabirds were found. Two wrecks contributed to this record total of birds. During July and August large numbers of blue penguin (Eudyptula minor), and a few other species, came ashore on both sides of Northland. This wreck was apparently caused by starvation. During September and October high numbers of species which normally frequent seas to the south and west of New Zealand were found on the south and west coasts. These birds were probably forced towards New Zealand by bad weather. New records for New Zealand are Antarctic petrel (Thalassoica antarctica) and white-tailed tropic bird (Phaethon lepturus). A new record for beach patrolling is fulmar prion (Pachyptila crassirostris). Third and fourth records of Gould’s petrel (Pterodroma leucoptera leucoptera) were obtained.

An immature cattle egret was observed over a period of three months. The ecosystem in which the bird was placed is discussed with particular reference to the associated cattle, territory occupied and interaction with other herons and with humans. Notes are given on aspects of behaviour including feeding, resting, preening and flight characterists.

Data from 366 randomly located permanent plots is used to relate the distribution of some bird species to forest type and composition. Whereas the complexity of the forest stand affects the bird population within it, topographical features and the distribution of associated bird species also have an effect.

A search was made throughout the Auckland Islands between November 1972 and February 1973 during the joint N.Z. Government/U.S. National Science Foundation Expedition. Although efforts were particularly concentrated on the northern and more sheltered coast of Adams Island where the species was last collected in 1902, the regretful conclusion is that the population has indeed disappeared.