Gone to the birds!

Published: 25 September 2024

Last Updated: 1 October 2024

Spot the Dots!

Napier is home to banded dotterels/pohowera. Their population is plummeting, and New Zealand is the only place they live in the world!

Their grey/brown plumage makes for perfect camouflage on the rocky shore and their eggs are hard to spot because they blend in so well. ‘Dots’ lay their eggs and sit on their nests from now until February so it is very important to be careful where you walk so you don’t disturb or damage nests, eggs or birds.

If you’re on the beach, walk below the high tide line and keep your dog on a lead. Our ‘Dots’ are precious to Napier so let’s look after them! 

A recent HBRC bird survey found a dramatic decline in 'Dots' – 17% decline across the region (2.5% decline in the national/global population).

Go Godwits Go!

The godwits are coming home! Watch from a respectful distance and keep dogs away, allowing these travellers to recharge undisturbed. Every year kuaka, or bar-tailed godwits, arrive at Te Whanganui a Orotu for the summer to rest and refuel. While they are here, they will replenish their plumage before heading off in April. 

To get back to their Napier feeding grounds each October, these tiny birds make a massive journey of 12,000 kilometres from Alaska. 

The Ahuriri Estuary Protection Society is hosting a guided “walk and talk” to officially welcome the godwits back to Napier on Saturday 12 October. 

For more information, email: aeps.hb@gmail.com

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