Spotlight on wetland boomer
The booming of bittern will be a feature of a public meeting hosted by Te Puke Forest & Bird next Monday.
The guest speaker is Emma Williams PHD, a bittern expert from Hawke’s Bay.
Last century, bittern were often present in wetlands along the coast, but loss of habitat has been a main factor in the drop in population of this large and secretive bird.
They favour densely vegetated wetlands and it is hoped that the restoration of this habitat in local sites will help bring their numbers back.
Forest & Bird 2019 diaries and calendars are also available now and the group is planning some exciting field trips this summer.
The meeting starts at 7.30pm at the Masonic Lodge, Oxford St, Te Puke. A gold coin donation is welcome and supper provided.