Protect the endangered blue duck

Birds BoP is the local branch of Birds New Zealand will discuss about the Whio or Blue duck on February 10. Photo/supplied

The Whio, or blue duck, is a native New Zealand duck that inhabits fast-flowing mountain streams and rivers, mainly in remote areas.

The remoteness of its habitat means that it is rarely seen, although its population is spread over a wide area from the western South Island to the central North Island, including some local sites in the Bay of Plenty.

Like many of New Zealand's birds, it is under threat from introduced predators such as stoats and rats, as well as by habitat reduction in some areas.

With a conservation status of 'nationally vulnerable' these birds have benefited from an ongoing recovery programme led by Andrew Glaser from the Department of Conservation.

Andrew has worked with Whio for nearly 20 years and in 2009 was involved in formalising a new recovery plan focused on managing Whio populations.

Andrew is the speaker for the first Birds BoP meeting of the year on February 10. The group will be able to hear about his work with these birds and his involvement with the Whio Forever partnership with Genesis Energy.

The talk begins at 7pm on Wednesday at the Arts and Craft Centre at the expressway end of Elizabeth Street. All are welcome. A gold coin donation to cover costs is appreciated.

Birds BoP is the local branch of Birds New Zealand, the Ornithological Society of New Zealand.

Birds New Zealand is an organisation about enjoying and studying birds. Birds BoP holds evening meetings, field trips and bird counts, and welcomes new members and visitors.

* If you are interested in birds, come along to the meeting or, for more information, email birds.bop@osnz.org.nz.