A "bird census" has revealed a number
of rare species are on the increase at Lake Ellesmere.
The annual Department of Conservation survey,
which took place on February 9, counted all birds living on or around the
shoreline of the lake.
DOC ranger Cody Frewin said about 55,750 birds,
across 39 species, were counted.
There were 429 of the nationally vulnerable
wrybill, compared to 128 last year and 125 in 2011.
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| Wrybill. Photo: David Hallett |
Critically endangered black stilts were also
spotted.
About 530 royal spoonbills were counted, which
was encouraging as the species only started breeding at Lake Ellesmere last
year, Frewin said.
The wide variety of birds showed how important
the various natural habitats surrounding the lake were.
The survey involved volunteers and staff from
several organisations, including the Ornithological Society of New Zealand, Christchurch
City Council and Environment Canterbury.
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