Orere Point Dotterels

28/05/2026

Our Seabirds are so important for our Ecosystem......

Did you know the Hauraki Gulf is a globally significant seabird superhighway? While only about 365 of the world’s 11,000 bird species are considered seabirds, a staggering one-third of all seabirds are found in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

The Gulf itself hosts 27 breeding species, including five that breed nowhere else on Earth, with countless other seabirds that also rely on this vital region. While seabirds are not as well known as our forest birds, they’re just as important. We’re putting them in the spotlight: next, the kāruhiruhi (pied s**g).

Often seen perched along the coastline with wings spread wide, kāruhiruhi are some of the Gulf’s most skilled underwater hunters. But despite their impressive diving abilities, these birds have long carried an unfair reputation.

Historically blamed for declining fish stocks, s**gs were heavily persecuted across New Zealand for decades. Today, we better understand the important role they play in healthy coastal ecosystems, from helping regulate marine food webs to carrying ocean nutrients back onto land through their nesting colonies.

What can this often-misunderstood seabird tell us about the health of our coastlines?

Read the full blog to learn more – https://bit.ly/4wVzsUj
Northern New Zealand Seabird Trust - NNZST

27/05/2026

Crossing the River today at low tide to check the pest traps.... water was cold, rocks were slippery, but all worth it to take out more predators doing damage to our native species and natural environment.
10 kills on the Auto A24 was a huge surprise, these traps are perfect set and forget traps, re-setting themselves with non toxic lures.
Evidence left on the ground of the rats 🐀 ending, was very satisfying.
The Doc 200 had been baited with rabbit meat... absolutely thrilled to take out a weasel!
These Lil buggars are absolute killing machines on our native birds, the only good one.... is a dead one!

Two less possums chewing on the native fauna and another Rat in the TomCat Tunnel rat trap ended our trapping session nicely.

The walk back along only part of the beach, we picked up rubbish and carried it back across the river to dispose of it into the bins,
Great feeling and rewarding work, know we are making a difference 💖

The Dotterel pair (cosi) sitting at the river mouth, Mr Dot colouring up in his breeding plumage... just beautiful

18/05/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1CdUk4RspN/

: In another massive win for wildlife, Coles has officially removed all second-generation rat poisons (SGARs) from shelves, with Mitre 10 and IGA joining Bunnings in a commitment to remove SGARS by 30 June.

Our supporters made it clear that removing these long-lasting poisons from retail shelves was critical in protecting wildlife and reducing further preventable deaths. Now, these calls have finally been heard.

The recent announcements are 10 months ahead of the regulator’s recommendation for a full retail ban of these wildlife-killing poisons. After many years of campaigning and thousands of submissions to the regulator, this win belongs to you.

The next step is now in the hands of Minister Julie Collins to legislate a full retail ban.

Head to: https://birdlife.org.au/protect-aussie-birds-from-lethal-sgar-rat-poisons/ and use our pre-filled email tool and send a message directly to the Minister, let’s get this done 🦉

05/05/2026

Please keep dogs away from river mouth area atm.
There is a sick/ injured WF Tern near the washed up wood.
Authorities have been notified.

Thanks for your co- operation

03/05/2026

Thankyou to all those caring people picking up fishing line and rubbish off our beaches.... it can make all the difference 🫶💖

03/05/2026

From tiny chicks taking their first steps to big conversations shaping their future — the 11th annual Auckland dotterel forum was packed with stories, challenges, and hope 🐦

We heard about sick birds being rescued and nursed back to health, and followed the incredible journey of dotterel chicks as they grow and beat the odds. There were honest discussions about tackling aerial predators threatening nests, and the surprising adaptability of dotterels nesting on rooftops and even within busy airport developments.

One thing was clear: people power matters. The dedication of volunteer minders and their citizen science data is making a real difference, helping protect nests and guide better decisions on the ground. And the inspiring comeback story of southern NZ dotterels reminded us just how powerful good data and long-term commitment can be.

Above all, this forum showed that conservation is a team effort. By sharing knowledge, working together, and staying connected, we can all play a part in protecting these special birds.

Auckland Council BirdCare Aotearoa Birds New Zealand

22/04/2026

NZ Conservation Week....

Now is the time to get those traps re-set.
Predators are looking for warmer locations to move in to.
Roof cavities and walls make great ratty homes, chewing on wires & waterpipes, making nests and storing food over winter.
As well as keeping your asset protected, you'll also be helping our native wildlife.
There's some great easy set traps on the market, press down snap traps with jagged edges hold the pest better.
I've even caught weasels in these type of rat traps!
Try using different baits like tuna, peanut butter, wet bread or whatever you have.

Remember to cover traps to protect pets, birds and non target species.

🇳🇿💖💯
🐀☠️=🐦🦉🐣🦎🪺🦇 ✔️
The math is easy ! 😉

12/04/2026

Orere River Mouth , lots of water exiting the catchments, rough conditions, surfers and Dotterels loving it !

09/04/2026

FYI... in light of the upcoming weather event we have removed the SeaBird Art.
The Dotterel pairs are still there, hanging around the river mouth area.
They almost purposely flew up to where the art fence is and contently watched us remove it, was lovely to see them so healthy and plump before winter truly arrives.
Stay safe Everyone 🙏🏼

05/04/2026

Our special place on this planet... yes, right here on our doorstep... species that exist nowhere else in the world!

Did you know the Hauraki Gulf is a globally significant seabird superhighway? While only about 365 of the world’s 11,000 bird species are considered seabirds, a staggering one-third of all seabirds are found in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

The Gulf itself hosts 27 breeding species, including five that breed nowhere else on Earth, with countless other seabirds that also rely on this vital region. While seabirds are not as well known as our forest birds, they’re just as important. We’re putting them in the spotlight: next, the Ōi (grey-faced petrel).

You’re far more likely to hear an Ōi than see one. By day, they’re out at sea. By night, they return under darkness, their haunting calls echoing through coastal forest as they navigate back to their burrows.

These ocean wanderers are more than just elusive, they’re vital connectors between sea and land, carrying marine nutrients inland and helping shape entire ecosystems. But nesting underground makes them vulnerable to introduced predators and artificial light, meaning their future relies on ongoing restoration work across the Gulf.

What does it take to protect a bird that lives between two worlds?

Read the full blog to learn more – www.tekorowaiowaiheke.org/hub/aotearoas-seabird-superhighway-meet-the-i-grey-faced-petrel

📸 by Charlie Thomas