You can help the Hutton's shearwater/tītī
Hutton's shearwater/tītī feed on fish so are vulnerable to becoming tangled in set nets and drowning. Fishermen can help protect the seabirds by monitoring set nets closely.
Young Hutton's shearwater become disoriented by bright lights, when they leave their inland colonies and instinctively fly out to sea. Some crash to the ground, often on roads, especially in wet or misty weather.
Feeding a Hutton's shearwater chick
that has been translocated to the
Kaikoura Peninsula
In 2006, 140 young birds were recovered from Kaikoura streets over a two night period. Almost all of these were later successfully released from the new colony on Kaikoura Peninsula.
Kaikoura residents and others can help reduce the loss of young birds during their inaugural flight in March and April by:
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Turning off any non-essential outside lights or using downlights which direct beams to the ground.
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View a larger version of map showing
Hutton's shearwater flight path
(JPG, 46K)
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Driving carefully to avoid running over any Hutton's shearwater that have landed on the road.
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At night, keeping dogs and cats indoors or tied up to prevent them attacking Hutton's shearwater.
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If you come across a disorientated Hutton's shearwater, release it at the beach above the wave action area.
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Contacts
For further information contact: