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Community Info-resources
Nau mai ki te Tūhaitara Coastal Park Inspired by Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori/Māori Language Week (13-19 September 2021) this month’s update highlights te reo Māori names of some of the native birds that visit and live in the coastal park.
Pūtakitaki/Paradise shelduck Although they congregate in large flocks when they are moulting, pūtakitaki are often seen in single breeding pairs. Pair bonds last for many years and adult birds tend to stay in the same area. We have a resident pair living near our office at Woodend Beach Road. This year we are supporting the nomination of the pūtakitaki for the Forest & Bird, NZ Bird of Year 2021 – we will promote the competition when details are released, please vote pūtakitaki! Kōtare/Kingfisher Kōtare are often seen in the park using the high branches of standing dead wood for a lookout post when they are hunting. These elevated perches are an essential part of their habitat. Kōtuku/White heron The elegant kōtuku are a legally protected species. Their sole nesting site is in a kahikatea swamp forest near the Ōkārito Lagoon on the west coast of the South Island. We are very fortunate that kōtuku often visit Te Kōhanga Wetlands in the autumn and winter. Pūteketeke/Crested grebe Pūteketeke are only found in the South Island. These distinctive diving birds, which are rarely seen on land, have been spotted at Te Kōhanga Wetlands. They often carry
their very young chicks on their back when they are swimming. As we are coming into breeding season, now is a good time to start looking out for this unique behaviour.
