This text was read by OCR from a scanned newsletter and has not been proofread yet, so expect odd characters and mistakes.
Tiritiri Matangi is an Open Bird Sanctuary administered by the Department of Conservation and well-known for being the home for some of New Zealand’s rarest birds. We were met on arrival by the Department of Conservation officer who gave us a brief and informative talk about the Island generally and the birdlife. This is a predator-free island and folks must stick to the walkways and boardwalks. Off we went along our way about the island to birdwatch under the able leadership
“Tiritiri Matangi” 26 June 1997
of Murray Hall - all 14 of us. (Chatting was to be kept toa minimum - quite a challenge when wanting to catch up on recent events such as the Tongariro Easter trips and other gossip!) But soon our silence was rewarded as we toddled along the seashore and then inland. We were greeted by Red Crowned Parakeets and caught glimpses of Keru dashing through the trees. Many areas are set aside with seats and water troughs where we could sit quietly, wait and very soon see more birdlife. Never in my life have I seen so many native birds-under-a-~canopy of-native bush. In all we sighted Stitchbirds, Tui, Saddlebacks, North Island Robins, Bellbirds, Whiteheads, Takahe, Brown Teal, Pukeko, 101 Fantails and Sparrows of course.
Our picnic lunch stop at Fisherman’s Bay proved to be a social time of eating and chit chat
Beth Griffiths then upwards to follow the Ridge track to the lighthouse. Here, another treat, as friendly Takahe entertained us and Tuis came almost close enough to touch. The lighthouse also serves as an information/shop centre.
All too soon it was time to follow the Wattle track, stopping, looking, listening, and we were rewarded again with more sightings, and finally downhill to the wharf to head back to the mainland. Once at the carpark there was a chance to sell off some 50th celebration T-shirts and do a short ‘stir up’ for folks to register etc. A worthwhile day out - camera and binoculars are a must! Many thanks to my chauffeur Dianne Aitken, trip leaders Murray and Joy Hall, Kelly and Judy Yip and all the other friends who made me feel so welcome. Great day out!
Page 1]