DOC's work with Hutton's shearwater/tītī
Hutton's shearwater chick being fed a
mixture of warm sardines and water
To help secure the long-term survival of Hutton's shearwater/tītī, a third colony is being established on a Kaikoura Peninsula site, with support from Ngāi Tahu and Whale Watch Kaikoura Limited. While the Peninsula is significantly lower in altitude than existing colonies, the fact that seabirds are known to have bred here previously suggests this is a suitable site.
The first trial transfer of 10 Hutton's shearwater chicks was made in 2005, with 86 more transferred in 2006. Another 95 chicks were moved to the peninsula in 2007.
For two to three weeks the chicks are fed daily a mixture of warm sardines and water, until they reached optimal size and fly away.
Feeding the young chicks on the Peninsula encourages them to identify the area as their breeding ground, hopefully programming them to return here from Australian coastal waters four to five years after they left.
The success of the venture won't be known until these birds -identified by individually numbered leg bands - start returning, at earliest 2009 or 2010.
Hutton's shearwater chick covered in
down prior to gaining adult plumage
Similar transfers of seabird species have proved successful. The Department of Conservation, Te Runanga o Kaikoura and the many community groups and individuals involved with the project, are optimistic that their efforts will help ensure the survival of Hutton's shearwater.
Te Rūnanga o Kaikoura involvement with the Hutton's shearwater recovery programme highlights their role as kaitiaki (guardians) of this bird, recognised by Ngāi Tahu as a taonga (treasured) species.
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