Quick chicks to join fighting squadron
In flight the ka¯ rearea resembles a stealth bomber.
And with rapid wing beats and a top speed of nearly 400kmh they are wreaking havoc on birds that blight vineyards in the premier wine producing region of Martinborough.
Three more of the native falcons have been re-homed at Palliser Estate as part of the area’s fighting squadron.
At just 29 days old, the ka¯ rearea were settled into their new home at Clouston Vineyard on Monday afternoon as part of a programme that combines pest control with conservation.
Palliser Estate employees have noticed a significant reduction in thrush, blackbird and finch numbers since the falcon programme began in 2014. They also scare seasonal birds like starlings.
Behind the initiative which has seen 10 birds released over four years are Martinborough resident and former Palliser Estate employee Jane Lenting, Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre and Palliser Vineyards.
Just two birds were lost, one to predation and one to electrocution.
Lenting had heard of a similar effort in Marlborough while she was employed at Palliser and suggested they do the same.
Four years later pest bird numbers have reduced and there have been various sightings of falcons in the surrounding countryside.
‘‘They make a real difference on the vineyard ... It is a conservation effort as well, putting the bird into habitats like this increases the population in the wild.’’
Wingspan trustee Noel Hyde said the birds were engaging.
They evolved with short wings and a long tail giving them increased manoeuvreability through dense, forested areas.
These programmes were needed to boost their numbers further as the wild population was estimated at between 3000 to 3500 breeding pairs, he said.
‘‘They are amazing birds, their method of hunting is so spectacular that if you see it once, you’ll never forget it. They are thought to be able to get up to 242mph (389kmh). Part of our objective is to educate people not to kill them.
‘‘They are known to threaten people’s pigeons and chickens at certain times, but we hope people grow to realise how special they are and take a photo rather than shoot.’’
Department of Conservation North Island predator free ranger Jim Flack said it was pleasing to see a business with a bird problem seeking to solve it in an innovative manner which also helped conservation. This was a great community project that DOC was happy to support, he said.
‘‘Ka¯ rearea have recovered a bit in recent years. They are now listed as at risk but recovering. Possum control seems to have helped boost their numbers as well but Jane and others helping her in Martinborough seem to have done well.
‘‘I saw one flying over Featherston the other week. They are fairly easy to spot once you know what they look like. Their wings are angled back, similar to what a stealth bomber looks like, they are also really loud, they make a high pitched noise,’’ Flack said.