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Black-billed Gull colony in Christchurch CBD

Posted: Wed Oct 30, 2019 7:23 pm
by andrewcrossland
Strange but true, c.300 Black-billed Gulls (min 130 nests) are nesting on the foundations of a flooded earthquake derelict high-rise right in the centre of CHCH. Armagh Street between Colombo and Manchester Streets. Incredibly they're not harassing people (as yet). They're safely behind a steel fence which is pretty fortunate. I was told about this a week or so ago by a CCC colleague and I assumed it was a couple of pairs of Black-backs - but its a good thing we went and had a look!!

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Re: Black-billed Gull colony in Christchurch CBD

Posted: Wed Oct 30, 2019 7:31 pm
by Jim_j
Wow - let's hope for success.

Cheers
Jim

Re: Black-billed Gull colony in Christchurch CBD

Posted: Thu Oct 31, 2019 6:27 am
by Joanna10
Great! So interesting to see.

Re: Black-billed Gull colony in Christchurch CBD

Posted: Thu Oct 31, 2019 8:23 am
by Hypno
Great to see, will take a look today as i work close by, They have been roosting on this structure and nearby Wilson empty parking lots for some time now. The fence and grilled viewing window makes it like a huge cage for them with added protection from the basement moat. Maybe someone from the CCC should inform the owner in case they have planned work on this site in the near future.

Re: Black-billed Gull colony in Christchurch CBD

Posted: Thu Oct 31, 2019 10:15 am
by Jim_j
Wouldn't it be great if an enlightened owner and council could set aside the area "as is" for the gulls future use.
Some suitable fencing, signage and maybe feral cat control and you've got a nice little tourist attraction with a story to tell.

Cheers
Jim

Re: Black-billed Gull colony in Christchurch CBD

Posted: Thu Oct 31, 2019 10:50 am
by Adam C
Is the water anything to do with the nearby Avon? As long as the water stays (perhaps it could be circled through from the Avon) it would be a very cool 'green' addition to the city centre. Although I cant see non-birders loving all the 'seagulls' and I'm sure given the value of the site it might not gain a lot of support from those with $$$$ in their eyes. very cool while it lasts though!

Re: Black-billed Gull colony in Christchurch CBD

Posted: Thu Oct 31, 2019 1:33 pm
by Hypno
I am guessing the water is just ponding in the concrete car-park it once was. I had a look today at lunchtime and spotted a nest with chicks in it, and other pairs mating. Among the black billed is also an estimated dozen red billed gull nests, the pond also has ducklings.

Re: Black-billed Gull colony in Christchurch CBD

Posted: Thu Oct 31, 2019 1:41 pm
by Hypno

Re: Black-billed Gull colony in Christchurch CBD

Posted: Thu Nov 21, 2019 7:31 pm
by Neil Fitzgerald
Floating platforms installed to stop chicks drowning.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/403 ... rest-gulls

Re: Black-billed Gull colony in Christchurch CBD

Posted: Tue Nov 26, 2019 3:31 pm
by Hypno
Lots of chicks around now

http://imgur.com/gallery/FxZSUXb