Bugs highlight falcons' plight

Bugman: Ruud Kleinpaste will be talking bugs tomorrow. Photo / Supplied

Rotorua Museum is inviting people to dress up as their favourite bug, bird or scientist and be in to win spot prizes.

The bug day out has been organised to raise awareness of the plight of native falcons and to show how their eco-system works, said Jo Doherty, Rotorua Museum spokeswoman.

"If you don't have bugs, you don't have small birds and if you don't have them, you don't have falcons," she said.

People are also encouraged to bring along a critter from the backyard and show them to "Bug Man" Ruud Kleinpaste.

Wingspan director Debbie Stewart will bring an endangered karearea (New Zealand falcon) and give a talk about the native birds.

People will have the opportunity of viewing two new chicks at their home on the museum's roof via live video in the foyer.

You can also become a bird watcher for the day by learning how to track a karearea using telemetry radio receivers.

"We are using all of the sciences, biology, chemistry and physics to raise awareness of the falcons," said Ms Doherty.

A competition for children to build paper planes and test them out will teach children about flight and aerodynamics.

Then at 1pm they can join pilot Ryan Thomas from Air New Zealand for his talk about real planes and how they fly.

Other activities will include water testing, activity trails, crafts and face painting. Scheduled events:

10am: Walk on the Wild Side - a guided walk exploring the unique environment around Rotorua Museum.

11am: Debbie Stewart from Wingspan with a karearea.

12pm: Bring a bug for Ruud Kleinpaste to identify.

1pm: Walk on the Wild Side 2.

1pm: Pilot Ryan Thomas from Air New Zealand.

2pm: Explore with Ruud - Join Ruud Kleinpaste as he explores Government Gardens, finding bugs, birds and more.