Juvenile Northern New Zealand Dotterels banded at Waitākere Ranges’ Karekare and neighbouring beaches are turning up at sites as far afield as Kawhia Harbour and Taranaki, thanks to the ongoing efforts of independent dotterel researcher, Adrian Riegen, and local volunteer group Karekare Landcare.
Since 2018, 64 dotterels have been flagged on Auckland’s west coast, 58 of them as chicks. The latest data shows around two-thirds have later been re-sighted, with birds moving through the Manukau and Kaipara harbours, east to Ōmaha and Pūkorokoro Miranda and even south to Rahotu in Taranaki.
Adrian, who has been banding and studying shorebirds in various parts of the North Island since 1985, says the banding results highlight the wider impact of local care.
“It shows how a handful of chicks raised on one beach can contribute to the species’ recovery right across the country,” says Adrian.
“Every bird that survives here has the chance to strengthen populations elsewhere, which is vital for a species that’s still at risk.”
Alongside banding and other conservation efforts, including predator control and weeding, local volunteers from Karekare Landcare have been fencing off fragile nests each summer to avoid trampling by beachgoers, dogs or cyclists heading to the surf break.
“The nests are little more than shallow scrapes in the sand and are almost impossible to see,” says Karekare Landcare member Kevin Ferguson.
“Most people don’t want to harm these birds; they just can’t spot the nests. A simple fence to protect the nest and eggs makes all the difference. Walkers and riders naturally give the area a wide berth and the chicks get the peace they need to fledge.”
While dotterel numbers at Karekare remain low – usually only two or three pairs attempting to breed each year – as the data shows, the chicks that survive are helping seed populations elsewhere.
“As soon as the effort stops, numbers go backwards,” Adrian says. “This species is only found in New Zealand, so if we lose them, they’re gone forever. Keeping up this work is the only way we’ll continue to see dotterel on our beaches in the future.”
Karekare Landcare is one of more than 30 groups across the region contributing to the Pest Free Waitākere Ranges Alliance, a community-led network of around 4,000 volunteers committed to restoring native biodiversity.
How you can help
- Stay out of roped-off areas around nesting zones, follow signs and stick to local bylaws, especially when it comes to dogs.
- Don’t approach birds faking an injury. If you see this behaviour, it means you’re too close. Instead, back away slowly and carefully.
- Keep dogs leashed on beaches, especially during breeding season.
- Don’t drive on beaches and sandspits.
- Keep cats indoors at night.
- Support predator control and habitat restoration, including vegetation planting.
Get involved
- For more information or to get involved, visit www.karekarelandcare.org.
- Connect with groups in the Waitākere Ranges at pfwra.org.nz/find-your-people.
Photo Credit: Adrian Riegen