Birds, birds, birds

Over 65 different birds have been identified on the shores, in the estuary and in the bush at Ōhiwa Harbour.

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Because it’s mostly shallow, Ōhiwa Harbour continually changes every day. At low tide, 80 percent of the harbour is transformed into exposed sandbank, mudflats, or shellbanks – an ideal feeding ground for wading birds, including the migratory godwit and the resident pied stilts. A growing population of royal spoonbills are interesting watching at low tide on the mudflats. At high tide flocks of wading birds can be seen roosting in their favourite spots just above the high tide mark. 

 

The sandy beaches on both sides of the harbour mouth are two of the rare New Zealand dotterel vital nesting areas.

 

The saltmarshes on the harbour margins are dominated by sea rush and oioi, providing habitat for fernbirds and the secretive bittern and banded rail. Fern birds are hard to spot amongst the rushes but their call, “u-tick”, can often be heard.

 

In grassland up on the banks, the pukeko, is a colourful and noisy bird. Weka, a flightless rail, has become a common sight (and sound!) too. Their relations, the North Island brown kiwi, even though much more secretive, have now also been confirmed to live in this area. 

 

Up in the air, the dancing fantails, the dominant tui, and the majestic kereru share the harbour too, among many other endemic, native, introduced and migrant birds. 

 

As everywhere, rats, cats and stoats are a significant threat to Ōhiwa’s native birds, some of which are quite rare. Pest animal control is an ongoing issue, which many landowners, iwi, organisations and care groups are helping to tackle.

 

Discover the birds of the Ōhiwa Harbour with this handy guide. The complete booklet is crammed with stunning photographs of every bird, both rare and common, that you are likely to encounter in and around the harbour. The booklets are available from the Ōhiwa Beach Holiday Park or Meg Collins (Ph 07 3157034, mcollins658@gmail.com) for a small donation, which goes to the local care groups. 

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Learn even more about your favourite Ōhiwa birds at NZ Birds Online.

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