Community Call: Volunteers Needed for Aotea Bird Count in December 2023

Above: Tūī on Harakeke. Photo / Sid Mosdell, CC

Birdwatching enthusiasts are being invited to join the upcoming Aotea Bird Count in December 2023, a tradition since 2019. 

This event, coordinated by the Aotea Great Barrier Environmental Trust alongside Auckland Council, DOC, and local sanctuaries Motu Kaikoura, Glenfern, and Windy Hill, aims to track key species like kākā, kererū, tūī, and kakariki. 

These birds not only reflect the health of Aotea forests but also indicate local rat populations.

Recent findings indicate widespread sightings of kākā and tūī but suggest a possible decline in kererū.

According to Hannah Smith, coordinator at AGBET, "As a community on Aotea, we need to be able to make informed decisions on how best to protect the bird population on the island." 

She emphasized the importance of the count for tracking species trends and bird numbers on the island, highlighting that "it takes a concerted effort to do so, and the volunteers are key."

Around 55 volunteers are sought for this year's count. Smith assures that "Full training is given," and pairs new volunteers with experienced counters to ensure precise data recording. 

She describes the experience as "a lovely early summer morning walk and a great way to get involved in biodiversity conservation on the island."

Izzy Fordham, chair of the Aotea / Great Barrier Local Board, which funds the Trust, comments on the community's role, 

"The ABC is a great example of the community working together for the benefit of the island." 

She acknowledges the significance of the bird data for the island, noting, "It’s a great opportunity to help us to be able to measure the bird population."

Volunteers are required to commit to a training session at the end of November and be available on the morning of Friday, 1st December, with additional availability for the backup days on the following weekend in case of weather-related postponements. 

Those Interested can volunteer by emailing contact.gbiet@gmail.com.