Paul Macdonald and Tiny at Bream Head Scenic Reserve.
|
TRAPPING: I met Paul Macdonald, DoC trapper, and his dog Tiny. Tiny is a Jack Russel/Fox Terrier cross and she’s been especially trained to sniff out stoats. She wears a muzzle when doing field work, which is just as well because she found a kiwi chick on a recent excursion. The chick was unbanded, and Paul took it in for this before releasing it back to where it was found. The interesting thing is that it shows that kiwi are successfully breeding in the Reserve.
AN APOLOGY: Back in February we had quite a storm and it coincided with a geology talk we had arranged for Friends of Bream Head. A last minute decision was made to cancel the talk and I sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused by this and my failure to post an adequate cancellation message.
PROGRESS on the ‘Fence’ Project: I’ve just completed an edit - spelling (that’s a laugh, the fact that I should be doing it!), formatting, use of correct terms, etc., etc., of the Assessment of Environmental Effects document, impressive not only in its contents but also because of its 80+ page length. It goes for peer review next. It is a public document which ensures the we are going about the fence project in the right way, and assures the public that this is so. We hope it will be released towards the end of June. The Trust and Restoration Committee have had an updated presentation from Roger McGibbon of Xcluder Predator Proof Fences as well as a presentation by an alternative supplier.
WORK ON THE SMUGGLERS Cove Track upgrade has been continuing. To date earthworks (removing kikuyu, smoothing the pathway, cutting drainage channels and installing culverts) have mostly been completed in the grazed area from the Urquharts Bay car park to the gate beyond the gun emplacements and to the gate on the saddle between Woolshed Bay and Home Bay. Gravel is being added from a large stockpile near Woolshed Bay. The young cattle, like bored teenagers with nothing to do, seem to delight in trampling and fouling the stockpile and new tracks!
The photo below shows a mechanical digger sitting on a recently cleared part the new track; the gravel pile and cattle are visible by Woolshed Bay.
PLANTING 2008: We intend to have two planting days in early June, one at Urquharts Bay, one at Smuggler’s Cove, and we look forward to your continuing excellent support. When we have the details I’ll let you know.
SUBSCRIPTIONS: In March I sent out 66 letters to Friends letting them know that their subscriptions were due. Over two thirds of these people have responded by re-enrolling, without me having to send out a reminder note. Thank you for that. Perhaps this note will jog some memories if you haven’t as yet responded? Currently we have 255 enrolments on our data base. If I count Family enrolments as two people that means we have approximately 375 enrolled Friends of the Bream Head Restoration Project.
AND FINALLY: just to fill up an awkward, space I’ve included below a photo of a kaka. I took it at a feeding station in the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary, Wellington, in March. I think its colours are amazing. I quite often hear kaka calling just as it is getting light from some large pine trees in McLeod Bay where they sometimes roost.
Very best wishes
David Monro
|
