As regular CFZ-watchers will know, for some time Corinna has been doing a column for Animals & Men and a regular segment on On The Track... particularly about out-of-place birds and rare vagrants. There seem to be more and more bird stories from all over the world hitting the news these days so, to make room for them all - and to give them all equal and worthy coverage - she has set up this new blog to cover all things feathery and Fortean.

Thursday 13 February 2020

Critically endangered shore plovers released on offshore refuge



Matthew Tso15:54, Feb 07 2020

As the shoreline comes into focus from the cabin of the Charmaine Karol I can see green bush cascading downwards from a straw-coloured tabletop to meet the beach. 

It is entirely appropriate that a tiny symphony has been playing John Williams' magnificent theme from Jurassic Park inside my head on our approach to Mana Island.

Like the movie's fictional Isla Nubar, Mana is a man-made glimpse into the past. This becomes apparent as soon as I disembark.

A few steps from the boat I stop to adjust my grip on a camera bag I've carried ashore when I  look down to see an inky black skink wriggle out from between the rocks beneath my boot. "Must be more careful," I think.

We are here to witness the arrival of 18 critically endangered shore plovers, and are met by Department of Conservation staff and a party from Ngati Toa who perform a waiata to welcome the birds ashore.


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