Kereru project takes flight
The Great Kereru Count 2016 has taken flight.
Environmental groups are asking Auckland residents to keep their eyes on the skies.
The national citizen science project will help gather information on the abundance and distribution of the New Zealand native kereru bird.
WWF head of conservation projects Michele Frank says large flocks of more than 100 kereru were once a common sight in the skies over New Zealand.
‘‘Our vision is to see them again,’’ Frank says.
Kereru are known as the gardeners of the skies, as they play a crucial role in dispersing seeds from the largest fruit of our native trees such as tawa, taraire and matai.
No other mainland bird is so well equipped to fulfil this function, making the species essential for forest regeneration.
WWF coordinator Tony Stoddard is encouraging everyone to take part by counting the kereru in backyards, schools, parks or reserves.
‘‘Kereru are distinctive looking birds, with their large size and bright white singlets.
‘‘Their green and purple plumage makes them easy to spot perched in treetops or on power lines,’’ Stoddard says.
‘‘Whether you see any kereru or not, sharing your observations with us will help build up a clearer picture of where the birds live, how many there are and what they eat.’’
The count runs until September 25.
‘‘Our vision is to see them again.’’
Go to naturewatch.org.nz or the greatkererucount.nz to report your sightings.