New aviary opens its wings

By MIKE MATHER in Rotorua
Birds of an environmentally friendly feather have flocked together to celebrate the official opening of the Wingspan Birds of Prey Trust's aviary complex.

The new tourist attraction on Paradise Valley Rd doubles as a unique bird sanctuary for endangered native birds of prey such as the rare New Zealand falcon.

Developed by Wingspan, the facility for breeding, research and display which opened to the public on Sunday, will offer interactive guided tours including flying demonstrations and feeding of trained birds of prey.

The aviary complex is home to breeding pairs and injured birds of prey, as well as an incubation house and display area.

Despite appearing on the $20 note, the falcon, or karearea, is one of the least well-known of our native birds. Only about 1000 are known to exist in the North Island.

Over the last century the falcon population has declined dramatically, due in part to its ground-nesting habit and its poor night vision. Falcon eggs and chicks are vulnerable to predators such as stoats, rats, possums, ferrets, weasels, cats and dogs.

But efforts by the trust, in conjunction with forestry company Kaingaroa Timberlands, has seen the species' chances of survival improve.

About 50 people gathered in the centre of the facility in the shadow of a carving of the now-extinct harpergornis eagle, made by Rotorua chainsaw artist Merv Richdale, for the opening ceremony.

The aviary was officially opened by Dr Nick Fox, an international raptor biologist, falconer and the first major researcher of the New Zealand falcon from 1977.

Other special guests included Wingspan patron Geoff Moon, a famed photographer, author and veterinarian and Rotorua historian Don Stafford.

Wingspan manager Debbie Stewart said the day was the biggest milestone in the trust's history and was the culmination of years of planning and work.

Ms Stewart was praised by Dr Moon as the driving force behind the project.

"I've always been fascinated by Debbie's tremendous work. She has a terrific passion," he said.

The trust depends on sponsorship, donations and grants for the raptor programme and has approval from the Department of Conservation to care for sick, injured and orphaned raptors.

This includes research into their habits and habitat, captive breeding, making the public aware of their plight and the rehabilitation of raptors back into the wild.