BirdingNZ.net

As many of you have reported, when I was at one of the black fronted tern nests down the Ashley River in Christchurch I saw a 4wd drive right through the most density populated area for chicks that I saw in the distance.
I myself didnt dare going there because of the numbers of bfts but to have a 4wd go strait through I was saddened.

Hopefully the photos will be usefully for anyone, if you require larger photos please let me know.
I know Steve has used one of the photos for a article in the local paper.

By the looks of the guys they seem to be having a good time killing chicks!!!!

Please don't moderate the registration number..

I'm sure there's no privacy issues involved.

No sensible ones anyway.

Surely a large fine here would do wonders for rare bird preservation! You do get the feeling that the protection of important breeding sites in NZ are a shambles.,

Just another day on the rivers and beaches of the South Island

Tim, you really ought to report this to the local police and DOC. The registration number and the driver are clearly visible and you can provide a witness staement. The black-fronted tern is classified as Endangered on the IUCN red List, which is the same threat category as mountain gorilla and giant panda.

Michael

Agreed with Michael. You have photographic evidence of both the driver and the rego, not to mention witnessing it yourself. Hopefully they will be able to prosecute them! Liable for a fine of upwards of several thousand dollars/Jail time if convicted.

This happened a couple of years ago with a black-billed gull colony near Ashburton. Locals reported it to the police who investigated, charged the culprit who was convicted and fined, and - importantly - generated media coverage that raised public awareness of the plight of NZ bird species. It's the same thing as those guys who clubbed seals to death near Kaikoura (although NZ fur seals are not an endangered species).

Michael

Can Neil or somebody else please put this string of posts onto BirdingNZ so I can send it around in the Canterbury area?

I can't forward things from BirdingNZ.net and keep the pictures in.

Thanks,
jan [Regional Representative, Birds NZ Canterbury Branch]

Hi Guys
I have figured out who this is -
xxxxxx xxxxx xxxxxxxx
xx xxxxx xxxxxx, xxxxxxxx

here is his facebook account. --> xxxxxx
Please be aware though - while there are a couple of sign posts warning 4wd's of the nesting in this area, they are very difficult to see. Also - not everybody is aware of the nesting habits of this particular bird. As an avid 4wd'r I am fully aware of the impact of our vehicles on the environment and take all neccesary steps to avoid causing any collateral damage to the environment.
I don't think a witch hunt is appropriate in this case.

Cynos

All clean again.




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