Falcons ready for pest patrol

RELEASED: The three falcon chicks born and raised at raptor sanctuary Wingspan and placed in a hack box at Escarpment Vineyard have been released and are ready to prey on pests bothering Martinborough vineyards. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Three falcon chicks repatriated at Martinborough two weeks ago as part of a conservation and pest control measure have taken their first steps to freedom and flight.

The three born and raised at raptor sanctuary Wingspan arrived at Escarpment Vineyard two weeks ago and were placed in a hack box until they were ready for release. That has now happened.

A group overseeing the release of the threatened species in Martinborough have approval from DoC to release 10 karearea during the next five years in the hope of re-establishing the species in the area and keeping birds, rodents and other pests from ravaging grape vines.

Falcon are one of the fastest birds in the world and as they have no natural predators they are "quite bold and unafraid", taking on larger birds as well as rodents.

Palliser Estate Wine Cellar sales manager Jane Lenting is overseeing the release and is very excited as the birds take their first steps "into a dangerous world".

"They were so chilled about the whole thing - which of course is what we want to see," she said.

While in the hack box the birds, named Hohoro, Honour and Pari, were fed 11 one-day-old chickens daily. Now they will hunt for their food.

They are quite "comical" to watch as they learn to fly, Mrs Lenting said.

"They are toddlers."

However, Mrs Lenting needs support and is asking for people living in the Te Muna Rd, Martinborough and White Rock Rd areas to record any sightings of the birds which are each wearing a different leg band.

Please don't go closer than 5m to the birds.

Any sightings can be reported by emailing janelenting@xtra.co.nz.

Meanwhile, husband Victor has seen two or three stoats in the hack box area 'despite months of trapping".

They are looking for fresh rabbit meat for bait and are looking to borrow DOC200 and DOC250 traps.

If you can help in any way please call Jane Lenting on (mobile) 021 025 78799 or (06) 306 9077.