Where the parrots rest: followup
Another bird returns to Tarikākā
Thank you to everyone who told me that they enjoyed last week’s article. I really appreciate your feedback. I will be writing more about conservation in Wellington and other areas in future.
A few days after I sent out last week’s article, I found further evidence for Tarikākā’a recovery. I was walking there one lunchtime and heard a chattering call that I’ve heard before – but not often and never on Tarikākā. I was in a clearing, and when I looked up I saw some green birds flying across my path. They were kākāriki, or red-crowned parakeets, another at-risk New Zealand bird which has been recovering thanks to Greater Wellington’s pest control programme and Zealandia.
I also discovered an interesting titbit of information about Khandallah Park, the area of forest on the lower slopes of Tarikākā where I do most of my walking. The park was established in 1888, making it one of New Zealand’s older parks. It takes a bit of digging to find much information about these important urban reserves, but there’s a management plan for Wellington’s green belt, and that contains a lot of interesting information about Tarikākā and the surrounding forest.
For those who aren’t familiar with the fenced sanctuary of Zealandia, it’s really worth looking at their website – or visiting if you are in Wellington. A one-off visit to the sanctuary and visitor’s centre is rather expensive, but an annual membership, which allows unlimited visits, doesn’t cost much more, and is well worth it. A membership for Zealandia also comes with the knowledge that you are supporting important conservation work that’s making a real difference to Wellington.
Finally, here’s some encouragement for those in Wellington who are tempted by my description of Tarikākā – the view from the top. I actually made it to the top today, but this photo is from a few months ago, when it was much warmer and sunnier. It’s a bit of a hike, but well worth it.
The Turnstone comes out once a week. Usually, I write an original article once a fortnight and on alternate weeks I follow up with more information or some related links.
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