BirdingNZ.net

Hi all, just wondering if we could have any confirmation of Weka
Expanding its range to the area close to camp Adair.
I’m 99% certain I spotted one on the roadside (6/1/20)
as I was heading south.
Thanks in advance
M

I spoke to a farmer that manages Tapapatanga farm he has seen Weka regularly last year, so not improbable that some have moved towards Hunua. There was a small population at Kawakawa/ Orere point. More likely a pheasant - young pheasants can look very weka like!

Sadly, Weka Watch, the group set up 12 years ago to protect the Kawakawa Bay weka, has made the decision to disband. The observable weka population is now down to just 3 lone males.

Simon, any info on why the population has dwindled? It was an interesting situation, with lots of hazards for the birds. It's wouldn't be completely surprising if domestic predators and cars were too much for them, but of course there are also other reasons for the boom bust cycles they seem to go through, and climate change and weather extremes will probably exacerbate it.

I am unsure, Neil. My information comes from an email to Weka Watch members. I would imagine that it is a mixture of factors, including those you suggest.

Cheers
Simon

Hi guys

I THINK i have just seen a Weka with 2 chicks skuttle into the bush . I am on McNicol rd Clevedon