Bird Counts

 

Kereru - Photo by Mark Davies

In November 2009 the 3rd annual bird count on Kaipupu was undertaken, led by Diane John. These bird surveys are being conducted to give us a base line number so that we will be able to track the effect on the bird life as the fence is completed and trapping intensifies. It is intended that these counts will continue for several years to plot any changes in the bird species and numbers.

A team of at least 3 people conducts the 5 Minute Bird Counts with 2 observers and 1 scribe. They stand at a designated station for 5 minutes and record all birds seen and heard. Following this they move to the next station, which is at least 200 metres from the previous one and repeat the count. The stations have to far enough apart to avoid counting birds twice. Currently we have 7 count stations identified on the point but intend to add 1-2 more as the track access improves.

These counts are seen as an index rather than an actual numbers of birds present. They record the types of birds present, and give an indication of density of populations.

Native birds in the area include kereru, wekas, fantail (piwakawaka), silvereye, riroriro (grey warbler), tui, bellbird (korimako), brown creeper, and welcome swallow, along with various shags, gulls, and other coastal birds including the little blue penguin.

Currently the predominant bird is the silvereye.

Shakespeare Bay Lookout Panel

In September 2009, the Interpretation Panel situated at the Shakespeare Bay lookout was officially “opened” by Stewart Hawthorn on behalf of New Zealand King Salmon. Sponsored through a special grant from New Zealand King Salmon, it traces the story of Kaipupu Point, and includes information about Kaipupu Point along with the vision the society has for this ‘mainland island’.

 

Shakespeare Bay Lookout Interpretive Panel

We especially acknowledge NZ King Salmon for their generous sponsorship of this panel. Thanks also to Rick and Josh Edmonds for their design work that makes the panel so striking.

Construction of the Sea Ends of the Predator Proof Fence

 

The fence approaching Shakespeare Bay

 

The landward section of the fence is completed, but in order to keep pests out the seas ends must be carefully constructed. Volunteers have contributed many hours of time, both in the design phase, and in the construction of this important phase of making Kaipupu into a true “mainland island”.

Special durable materials must be used, piles driven into the seabed, and the fence constructed and attached to the piles.

This construction of the sea ends is another huge challenge to be met. It is no easy task in this terrain, and we are grateful for the donation of time and materials by Port Marlborough, Crafar and Crouch, and Kenny’s Barging for all their help in accomplishing this.

 

The fence under construction

The predator proof fence stands 2 metres high. The base fence consists of 3 metre tanalised fence posts extending 2 metres above the ground and positioned at 4 metre spacings. Stainless steel wire mesh designed to exclude even juvenile mice, is attached to the body of the fence. The special hood is positioned on top of the fence to prevent the passage of jumping animals such as cats, deer and goats, and to serve as a barrier to climbing animals such as possums, stoats, rats and mice. This hood is made of zinc-alum “coloursteel”, the same material that si used for roofing iron throughout New Zealand. Greater amounts of aluminium is used in the material which is used for hoods installed close to the sea, as this is such a corrosive environment.

The wire mesh is extended out horizontally from the base of the fence as a “skirt” to prevent burrowing animals such as rabbits and rats from digging under the structure.

 

View of a landward section of the 620 metre long Predator Proof Fence - looking towards Picton

The fence is designed so that sections or materials can be replaced without having to strip large parts of the fence, so that in the event that one small section of the fence is damaged or needs replacing, that small section of material can easily be replaced without having to replace a larger section of fence.

 

The west end of the predator proof fence

 

Constructing the Picton end of the predator proof fence