Kapiti island
Last week Saturday we went on a trip to Kapiti island. Kapiti is New Zealand largest off-shore bird sanctuary where they have managed to eliminate all non-native predators. Since 1996 there are no more stoats, goats, rats, deer, possums or hedgehogs. That gives the birds and the native bush all the space to breed and grow without any threat to be eaten. The result is a beautiful reserve, where you can walk around in and enjoy the sounds of the birds and see lots of healthy trees and new growth. Walking around there you start realising how it must have sounded and looked like before humans came to New Zealand.
It was a great day out. After a nice rocking boatride to the North End of the island, we had a beautiful walk to the lookout point. Walking up the hill we already encountered many whiteheads, fantails, tui, bellbirds, kereru and kakariki (Green parakeets). Our delicious picnic on the top of the hill attracted many Weka. Slowly going down the slope, Kate and I encountered a parent kaka with its baby. The huge baby parrot could hardly fly and had to use his tail to keep him steady on a branch.
Back at the lodge, another kaka, kereru and weka were waiting for us. Especially impressive were the huge Takahe, big flighless birds, related to the Pukeko (a kind of ‘Waterhoen’). Leisurely grazing on the lawn. Strange to imagine that all these birds were once in abundance. I’m happy that we can still enjoy seeing them here.
Enjoy seeing the birds through our photos.
