Weekend check of bird numbers

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Bird watchers will be busy this long weekend, “atlasing” the bird population out of Ruatoria.

The Toi Toi Wines-funded trip will see locals and Birds New Zealand members undertake atlasing — a survey protocol — to help gather important bird observations for this under-surveyed area.

This is a re-scheduled trip and is being held over Waitangi weekend.

The team will be based at Tikapa Marae near Ruatoria (Grid square AN100) and surveying the myriad habitats surrounding it.

Days will be spent exploring the area to increase atlas effort. Nocturnal habitats will also be targeted.

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The survey is suitable for all levels of fitness and people have been asked to bring their own vehicle, preferably a four-wheel drive. Volunteers must also be confident using eBird, Atlasing, and identifying birds by sight and sound.

Birds New Zealand is committed to the study of birds and their habitat use within New Zealand by encouraging members and organising projects and schemes.

Activities are organised at both the national and regional levels, with 19 regions providing a local network for members to engage in bird studies.

• The trip will be from February 3 to 6. Registration for the event has closed, but if you have any questions, please contact: