Orokonui Ecosanctuary

By Sue Hensley

It is with sadness we farewell our knowledgeable, friendly and
efficient receptionist Priya Logan. Her whole family has been involved
in happenings at Orokonui – especially five-year old Rhiannon who
developed a great interest in our native birds and has walked more of
the tracks than most people. Priya and her family have loved living in
Warrington but are returning to Scotland.

It is with sadness also that we report the death (outside the fence)
of one of our kaka at the teeth of a stoat. This was the male of a
pair that had set up territory on the harbour side of Mihiwaka. The
medium term plan is to do pest control in this area but unfortunately
not soon enough for this kaka.

A total of five robins have now been seen back in their home
territories in the Silverpeaks but the really exciting news is that
one female and two males have been seen at Orokonui. One of the males
was carrying a worm which may mean a pairing is occurring.
Interestingly, all recent robin sightings have been in the pine area
in the northern donated block. I guess old habits die hard and
although radiata pine is not prime habitat for robins it is very
familiar habitat for the Silverpeaks robins.

The very successful school holiday programme brought lots of families
up to the Ecosanctuary, helped along by the relatively fine winter
weather. It is great to see the enthusiasm of the next generation of
conservationists.

Events to look out for in August are Moira Crossman's clay workshops
and a talk by local geology expert, Chuck Landis.

The visitor centre and café are open every day 9.30am - 4.30pm. The
Centre is free to explore as is the Pa Harakeke walk (Flax Plantation)
and the 9km perimeter track. Annual passes to the Ecosanctuary are now
available. We have a Facebook page as well as a website
(www.orokonui.org.nz) to keep you up to date.

From blueskin.co.nz and 'Blueskin News' published by Blueskin Media:
voluntary/non-profit community publishers in Blueskin Bay (Seacliff,
Warrington, Evansdale, Waitati, Doctors Point), Dunedin, New Zealand.
All material sent to or published by us is "copyleft" in the public
domain and may be freely shared, archived, re-edited and republished.
If you want to credit the source it's "blueskin.co.nz".