On Tuesday Willie Cook visited Paremata to look for Banded Rail. Willie is
highly respected amongst the OSNZ “Birdie” community for his knowledge about
native birds, the Paremata project was fortunate to have Willie come and
check out the Paremata Estuary for signs of Banded Rail.
The timing of the visit was based on perfect tide timing for looking for
prints in the mud flats. Multiple prints were observed, we walked from the
mouth of the Wakapuaka River through to Uri, prints were observed right
through, based upon poo samples Willie thinks there may be Marsh Crake there
too. Basing his opinion on the number of prints, Willie believes the reaches
of the Delaware Estuary bordering the southern and western ends may be one
of the most important areas for Banded Rail in all the Golden Bay/Nelson and
Havelock areas, for two reasons, habitat, but most importantly the intensive
trapping programme we have implemented.
Willie indicated the estuarine area between Paremata and Uri was very
important as it provided reed habitat for feeding and a perfect area, due to
natural cover from the estuary border for resting at high tide and nesting.
Another major positive for the project, Willie indicated there may be Marsh
Crake too, based upon a Poo sample, we will continue to monitor by sampling
poo, this is done by rubbing it through your fingers, gritty and it is
Banded Rail, smooth Marsh Crake.
Willie explaining the finer points of identifying particular poo!!
Willie explaining the finer points of identifying particular poo!!The estuarine foreshore between Paremata and Uri is Road Reserve we
presently manage the weed programme along this strip but have no traps. We
are talking with Council in regards setting up a trapping line along this
strip and undertaking some infill planting to enhance the corridor and
protect any Banded Rail which may be nesting.