Black-billed Gull colony in Christchurch CBD

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andrewcrossland
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Location: Christchurch

Black-billed Gull colony in Christchurch CBD

Postby andrewcrossland » Wed Oct 30, 2019 7:23 pm

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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Jim_j
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Re: Black-billed Gull colony in Christchurch CBD

Postby Jim_j » Wed Oct 30, 2019 7:31 pm

Wow - let's hope for success.

Cheers
Jim
Joanna10
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Re: Black-billed Gull colony in Christchurch CBD

Postby Joanna10 » Thu Oct 31, 2019 6:27 am

Great! So interesting to see.
Hypno
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Joined: Sat Mar 15, 2014 12:21 pm

Re: Black-billed Gull colony in Christchurch CBD

Postby Hypno » Thu Oct 31, 2019 8:23 am

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.
Jim_j
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Joined: Sun Mar 03, 2013 1:04 pm

Re: Black-billed Gull colony in Christchurch CBD

Postby Jim_j » Thu Oct 31, 2019 10:15 am

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
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Adam C
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Re: Black-billed Gull colony in Christchurch CBD

Postby Adam C » Thu Oct 31, 2019 10:50 am

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!
“Nobody grows old merely by living a number of years. We grow old by deserting our ideals. Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul.”

Samuel Ullman
Hypno
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Joined: Sat Mar 15, 2014 12:21 pm

Re: Black-billed Gull colony in Christchurch CBD

Postby Hypno » Thu Oct 31, 2019 1:33 pm

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.
Hypno
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Re: Black-billed Gull colony in Christchurch CBD

Postby Hypno » Thu Oct 31, 2019 1:41 pm

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Neil Fitzgerald
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Re: Black-billed Gull colony in Christchurch CBD

Postby Neil Fitzgerald » Thu Nov 21, 2019 7:31 pm

Floating platforms installed to stop chicks drowning.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/403 ... rest-gulls
Hypno
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Joined: Sat Mar 15, 2014 12:21 pm

Re: Black-billed Gull colony in Christchurch CBD

Postby Hypno » Tue Nov 26, 2019 3:31 pm

Lots of chicks around now

http://imgur.com/gallery/FxZSUXb

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