While dotterel are known to breed at Shakespear, prior to this year none have managed to raise their chicks to fledglings. This year four pairs have had chicks, three of them surrounded by crowds of holiday-makers on Te Haruhi beach, with about two fledgings per pair. This is well ahead of the average of half a fledging per pair which is needed to sustain the population.
This serious fungal disease is well established in Australia and affects plants of the myrtle family. Unfortunately this includes some common natives like rata, pohutukawa and manuka, and since the spores could be carried here by wind a biosecurity alert has been issued to watch out for it. It can also attack fruit like feijoas…
Since the formation of the Park in 1975, annual planting has greatly extended the original areas of native bush. Steeper gully areas have been fenced off and the current planting plan aims to fill gradually these. Public plantings for 2016 are on the mornings of June 12, Jun 19 and July 17. These are all…
UPDATE August 2016: Thanks to a generous donation from One Spark One Wish, we now have the funding we need for this project. SOSSI is currently seeking donations towards purchasing three call-playback systems as part of the seabird restoration project at Shakespear Open Sanctuary. The plan involves installing three speaker systems spread along the…
Pampas grass is our featured pest plant this month, because right now its seed heads are evident everywhere in our district. The plants form large grassy clumps with a dead leaf base. Its erect and bushy flower heads are quite attractive and easily recognised, emerging January to March, but unfortunately they are prolific producers of seeds which then blow…
In April last year 40 North Island robins (toutouwai) were re-introduced to Shakespear. Thirteen pairs established and have now completed their first breeding season with 34 chicks being raised. Kowhai Glen was the most productive area, producing 11 young. For some unknown reason the pairs in the apparently good habitat on the Defence Force land…
The Trapping Team aims to intercept and remove any predators within the sanctuary to allow native species to flourish, and to encourage more species from other sanctuaries to become established at Shakespear. Trappers are assigned a line of traps that are checked regularly. You can help trapping We are looking for volunteers to join the…
