The closest relative to the kiwi has been found, by DNA analysis, to be the extinct Madagascan Elephant bird. These birds were huge and no doubt called the Elephant bird due to their size. However the kiwi possibly has more in common with an elephant! The extra long bill of the kiwi could be seen as similar to an elephant’s trunk. In both the … [Read more...]
Back-To-Back Kiwi Releases Bring 19 Kiwi To Whangārei
Whangārei’s wild kiwi population has been enriched with a further 19 birds at two back-to-back kiwi releases held in one weekend. More than 450 people took the opportunity to meet the wild kiwi up close before they were released and hear how they can help keep them safe. The first release was held on Saturday (February 13th) by the Pukenui … [Read more...]
Russell Kiwi Protection: 2020 Highlights
2020 was a challenging year for some, but Russell Landcare stalwarts refused to be daunted and still achieved amazing results! Project Coordinator Eion Harwood, reflects on the achievements to date and highlights of 2020: Russell Landcare Trust’s “Russell Kiwi Protection” project has come a long way since starting in 2016. Over the last … [Read more...]
Xmas Retirement Present for Whitu
Whitu the wild Whangarei Heads kiwi has well and truly earned his transmitter-retirement after 15 years! Article by Todd Hamilton, Backyard Kiwi Project Manager We have been radio monitoring Whitu for 15 years now. He has been a fantastic ambassador for the kiwi at the Heads. Monitoring his movements and following his life has … [Read more...]
“Eggseptional” – Kiwi Eggs!
It is not surprising, kiwi eggs are "eggseptional!" Many wild kiwi "Dad's" across Northland are now about mid-way through their 70-90 night incubation duty. But did you know just how amazing the egg they are so tenderly caring for is? Kiwi eggs are huge. On average they weigh in around 440gm which is approximately 20% of the average weight of … [Read more...]
Storm Hit Kiwi High and Dry
Big storms and intense rainfall have seen Northland kiwi switch gears from drought-survival to storm-survival overnight. Kiwi that had hunkered down in damp valley's since the drought have suddenly had to cope with flooding and huge slips. Following the movements of ten transmittered wild kiwi in the Whangarei Heads area gives an insight into … [Read more...]
Kiwi Link CPCA Results and Highlights
The Kiwi Link Community Pest Control Area (CPCA), involving 10 groups in eastern Whangarei, has completed another successful year. Kiwi Link brings local landowners, farmers, forestry companies and government agencies together to restore biodiversity over approximately 14,000 ha between Taraunui and Ngunguru Ford in eastern Whangarei. The … [Read more...]
Drought-Stricken Kiwi Rescued
Eighteen drought-stricken Northland kiwi have been rescued from the Motuora Island kiwi crèche in the Hauraki Gulf after dry conditions reached critical levels. With Auckland still in drought in June, food and water levels on Motuora Island had reached critical levels. The island is a crèche for young kiwi chicks raised under the Operation Nest … [Read more...]
Self-Isolating Kiwi: Burrows Vs Nests
As we hunker down in our homes during the Covid-19 lock down and try to keep ourselves occupied and safe, we can draw inspiration from our feathered kiwi friends - who are very good at staying in their nests for weeks on end! Incubating Northland brown kiwi "Dad's" stay in their nests, alone, for 60 - 90 nights solid, only getting up for a few … [Read more...]
Two Miracle Kiwi Hatched from “Stone Cold Eggs”
Two "stone cold" kiwi eggs found in February by separate community-led projects in Whangarei have both been recovered, incubated and miraculously hatched into very active kiwi chicks by the Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre. Northland's summer drought resulted in some unusual kiwi behaviour as kiwi struggled in the dry conditions, … [Read more...]