Kaka flock to Gordonton
Keen-eyed types might have noticed some unusual birds of a feather around the village of late. Gordonton dairy farmer John Riddell snapped these shots of one of our native parrots, the kaka or bush parrot.
Over the last few days as many as five have been seen on three locations on the property, mainly visiting kowhai trees. A Peach Road resident has also reported seeing the birds to N8N.
“They’re very tame. I sneaked up to get some photos – I took about 400 – and they were quite happy for me to be near.”
Two birds appeared about a week ago, hanging out in an old kowhai tree with a tui as company. “I saw them flying across the farm, from one kowhai tree to more planted along the driveway to the old house.”
The birds, considered nationally vulnerable, have returned most mornings before flying elsewhere. On Monday five were seen. “They love the kowhai flowers – just gobble into them.”
John says the last time he saw kaka on the farm was 30 years ago. “I was duck shooting and these birds flew over, I raised my gun… and nooooooo. They’re very distinctive.”
Kaka have been seen at Woodlands Historic Homestead, mainly during the Winter when food is scarce. They are also seen at Pukemokemoke Reserve.
Lovely! We had one in our pear tree (in the middle of town) a couple of years back, enthusiastically ripping off hunks of bark. Seems like they might be making a real come-back around Hamilton.
Hmmmm… yes, there is that. Still, lovely to see them around!
Kaka nest at Woodlands. I have just recently painted ‘kaka at Woodlands’. Check out my Ciglee archival print 1/3 at The Manderin Tree gallery in Gordonton.
Thanks for that – have you actually seen a nest at Woodlands? Do you know how they got on – any chicks raised? Would love to know more. It’s unusual for kaka to nest outside of large forest areas, so if this could be confirmed it would be very interesting.