For the second year running falcons have returned to Wairakei Forest. Photo / Supplied
For the second year running falcons have returned to Wairakei Forest. Photo / Supplied
Predator traps have been rolled out for the second year running as Mr and Mrs Walter have returned to Wairakei Forest, Taupo for their summer holidays.
The return of this rare pair of New Zealand falcon has been greeted with great excitement. The falcons nicknamed "Mr and Mrs Walter", arenesting next to the Walters Wiggles mountain bike track.
The Department of Conservation, Bike Taupo and Wairakei Golf and Sanctuary have pulled out all the stops to ensure their survival and the survival of their young. As the breeding ground is just outside the predator-proof fence surrounding the Wairakei Golf and Sanctuary, predator traps have been set to lessen the threat from stoats and cats.
The falcons returning to breed is great news for the Wairakei Golf and Sanctuary as it shows their vision of bird enhancement is becoming a reality and course manager Nigel Lloyd hopes the planting of more trees will encourage back more bird life.
Bike Taupo manages the park and chairman Rowan Sapsford said they were stoked that such an awesome species had chosen the park to raise a family, but reminded sightseers to be careful as they were wild birds.
"The falcons are known to defend their territory by swooping on passing mountain bike riders. With a helmet, bikers are protected from risk of injury and can enjoy the close encounter."
