Hawksbury Lagoon update Sept 2021

The Lagoon Committee met at the end of July with a busy agenda. One of the issues discussed was that we had not been able to find someone to take on pest control in the areas surrounding the lagoon. This is particularly important as birds start their spring nesting when they are vulnerable when sitting at ground level and with a clutch of eggs that are very attractive food for predators. DOC has offered to help through their volunteer network and we are waiting to hear back from them.

The issue of the old tip site leaching debris into the lagoon as the bank erodes attracted the interest of an ODT reporter recently (21.8.21). The area is currently under water but the photographer identified a deposit exposed after the recent work undertaken to replace the blocked and leaking sewerage pipe. Identifying who has ownership and responsibility for the area has been difficult. This is holding up an application for funding to identify the level of risk, remove rubbish from the lagoon and protect against further contamination.

We are hoping to resume bird counting in September or October, Covid level permitting. Derek Onley, the ornithologist on the committee has an extensive data base he would like to pass onto someone else to manage. Anyone interested this or in joining in bird counting and not already on Derek’s list are asked to contact Ruth (risabelfe@gmail.com or 021 1130 719.

The planned Ki Uta Ki Tai planting day for September has been cancelled. We are hoping to have volunteer planting day when we get to Covid level 2.

Bird of the Month

Karoro (Southern black-backed gull)

These birds, commonly seen perching on structures around the lagoon or circling overhead, are native to Aotearoa/NZ but found widely in the Southern Hemisphere. They are numerous throughout the Aotearoa, are not threatened or protected by law. Karoro are predators and scavengers. While their scavenging activities helps remove dead creatures from the lagoon surrounds, their Spring predation of eggs, chicks, ducklings and even lambs and sheep is a significant problem. In some areas numbers need to be controlled to protect native species. Excessive numbers of karoro in this country is attributed to human activities that provide food such as at open landfill sites, fish cleanings, and food scraps. They should not be encouraged or fed. For more information see Birds NZ.

Ruth Ferguson