The falcon hack (nesting box) on the Rotorua Museum's rooftop. Photo / Supplied
The falcon hack (nesting box) on the Rotorua Museum's rooftop. Photo / Supplied
The second urban release of New Zealand falcons will be held this week.
The rare karearea (falcon) chicks will be released from their hack (nesting) box high on Rotorua Museum's rooftop on Friday, as part of a partnership project with Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre to promote conservation andawareness of the endangered birds.
"Last year's project was incredibly successful in engaging with the community and visitors," Wingspan director Debbie Stewart said.
"We can't wait to see how [falcon] Hatupatu [released January 2014] reacts to the two new female chicks."
The karearea chicks were delivered by Wingspan to Rotorua Museum on December 12. They have spent the last few weeks in their hack box home being fed daily by museum staff.
Rotorua Museum volunteer guide co-ordinator Julie Parsons said the two new chicks were much bigger and more active than last year's clutch.
"We are able to watch them via live video footage in the On the Wing exhibition and via the museum website. They are already practising flying within the confines of the hack box." The two chicks are currently nicknamed Orange and Black after the colour of their leg bands. Wingspan will name one of the chicks and the second name will be chosen by the winner of a Trade Me auction.
